Carlos Alcaraz has managed to pull off one of the most formidable feats in tennis this year, according to acclaimed coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Despite Jannik Sinner’s brilliant season—he’ll end 2024 as the world No. 1 after capturing titles at the Australian Open and US Open—Alcaraz’s journey this year has been nothing short of exceptional. With numerous career highlights, including two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and multiple victories over top players, the young Spaniard has set a standard of excellence.
In his 2024 season, Alcaraz has accomplished several key victories over Sinner, winning in all three of their ATP Tour matchups. But his historic year will likely be remembered for his Grand Slam wins at the French Open and Wimbledon. These victories were a testament to his versatility and adaptability, as winning on the slow, high-bounce clay at Roland Garros and transitioning to the fast, low-bounce grass at Wimbledon poses a unique challenge that few players have successfully overcome. Alcaraz’s mastery of these vastly different surfaces over such a short span has set him apart, marking him as one of the sport’s most adaptive talents.
Alcaraz’s path to success this year has been a display of resilience and skill on multiple fronts. After overcoming Sinner in a thrilling semi-final at Roland Garros, he went on to defeat Alexander Zverev in a fierce final showdown, securing his first French Open title. Just weeks later, he delivered an unforgettable performance at Wimbledon, dethroning seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in a final that captivated fans worldwide. Alcaraz’s triumph over Djokovic was particularly significant, as it underscored his ability to challenge one of the greatest players on grass—a surface that requires a very different style of play compared to clay.
In an exclusive interview with *Tennis365*, Mouratoglou reflected on Alcaraz’s achievement, labeling it “one of the most difficult things to do in tennis.” He explained that the contrasting requirements of the French Open and Wimbledon make winning both tournaments back-to-back an enormous challenge. “At Roland Garros, you need to be high on your legs, sliding, using a lot of spin and engaging in long rallies,” Mouratoglou noted. “Then, just a few weeks later at Wimbledon, it’s a completely different game. You’re playing on a surface that favors big servers and counter-punchers, where you need to stay low on your legs and play without sliding.”
Mouratoglou’s comments highlighted the physical and technical demands of adapting between these surfaces in such a short time frame. Alcaraz’s ability to transition seamlessly from clay to grass demonstrated not only his physical readiness but also his mental resilience—a critical attribute in a sport that often sees players stumble after intense Grand Slam campaigns. “To make those two back-to-back wins, it’s probably one of the most difficult things to do in tennis,” Mouratoglou said, recognizing the rarity of such a feat.
However, even a player as skilled as Alcaraz found the toll of a relentless season challenging. Following his Olympic gold medal in Paris, where he teamed up with Rafael Nadal in doubles, Alcaraz had little time to recover before the US Open. Mouratoglou suggested that Alcaraz’s early exit from the tournament might have been due to exhaustion. “He was mentally exhausted,” Mouratoglou explained. “Two Grand Slam wins in a row, then the Olympic Games. Plus, he played all these other tournaments—eventually, it was just too much.”
For Mouratoglou, mental rest is as essential as physical rest, especially for young players like Alcaraz, who may not yet have the endurance to handle such a relentless schedule. He pointed out that Alcaraz’s intensity on court and his emotional approach to the game likely contributed to his fatigue. “He’s very, very emotional. We’ve seen him cramp multiple times already, even at 20,” Mouratoglou said, drawing a contrast between Alcaraz and seasoned champions like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, who seldom experienced cramping during their matches. “That emotional energy takes a toll. Moving forward, they’ll need to strategize his calendar to ensure he has sufficient mental rest.”
Looking ahead, Mouratoglou is optimistic about Alcaraz’s potential, despite the challenges. He believes that with proper management and planning, Alcaraz is positioned to achieve even greater heights in the coming years. “What he has done is just incredible. It shows how much potential he has to win Grand Slams for the next ten years,” he added, acknowledging that few players at age 21 have reached such heights.
As the season winds down, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Alcaraz manages his schedule and development moving forward. The early exit at the US Open may have been a setback, but it’s clear that he possesses the talent, determination, and support needed to continue thriving at the highest level. His adaptability, as demonstrated by his wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, suggests that he is capable of evolving his game to meet new challenges. Furthermore, his Olympic experience alongside Nadal provided him with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s all-time greats.
For now, Alcaraz can take pride in a season that saw him overcome remarkable obstacles and claim two Grand Slam titles. His success has not only cemented his status as one of tennis’s brightest young stars but also laid the foundation for a potentially legendary career. As Mouratoglou aptly noted, Alcaraz’s accomplishments at such a young age are a rare and impressive feat. With a balanced approach to his calendar and the support of his coaching team, Alcaraz is poised to continue building on his 2024 achievements, thrilling fans, and redefining what’s possible for the next generation of tennis.