French Open: Carlos Alcaraz ‘once in a lifetime’ – Robson likens star to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Eurosport expert Laura Robson has likened not only the talent but the “natural charisma” and pulling power of Carlos Alcaraz to the ‘big three’ of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Citing the huge crowds in attendance for Alcaraz’s latest training session on the red dirt in Paris, Robson noted his popularity and what a star attraction he has already become on the men’s side of the game.

“I think [I admire] everything [about Alcaraz]!” Robson answered when asked by co-presenter Alize Lim what she most admired about the Spaniard.

“I wish I had a bit of what he has; he was born with it. He has that natural charisma that engages the crowd [and the] community.

“You see people flock to his practice sessions the way we haven’t seen since Djokovic, Rafa and Federer; these once in a lifetime tennis players. It seems like we have that in Carlos.”

After the 24-year-old’s first-round match, a tough victory to progress, he spoke to reporters about an earlier training session with Alcaraz and how he has drawn inspiration from the youngster.

“I had a practice session with Carlitos [Alcaraz] the other day… I owe a lot to Carlitos, because he’s such a breath of fresh air,” he said.

“The fact that he’s just so competitive and he always has a smile on his face, there’s so much charisma and positive energy that he distributes.

“Last year during preseason I was like, ‘I want to apply that more into my game.’ Players focus more maybe on technical stuff and… don’t focus on these aspects of the game.

“I kind of admire him for who he is. I just want to be more. I have that capacity of being that person. I truly believe that. That is also the reason that I’m just much more joyful and happy when playing this sport, due to him,” he added.

– – –