Carlos Alcaraz may have seen a slight dip in his ATP ranking this year, but his talent, determination, and future potential remain as strong as ever, and he continues to enjoy the unwavering support of some of tennis’s most respected figures. Among them is Paul Annacone, the renowned coach who famously mentored Roger Federer during some of the Swiss legend’s most successful years. Annacone has been a consistent advocate for Alcaraz, recognizing the Spaniard’s immense potential and skill set, while also highlighting his ability to shape the future of tennis. Even as Alcaraz encountered some challenges and setbacks this season, Annacone stood by him, emphasizing the young player’s talent and offering valuable insight into the game’s complexities, including the ever-important ATP ranking system.
Paul Annacone’s admiration for Alcaraz dates back to last year when he appeared on the Rock n’ Roll Tennis Podcast, where he spoke highly of Alcaraz’s future prospects. At that time, Annacone made it clear that he viewed Alcaraz as one of the brightest stars in the sport, predicting that the Spanish phenom would become a multiple Grand Slam winner if he remained healthy. “I think Alcaraz, if he stays healthy, should be a multiple, multiple Grand Slam winner,” Annacone said. “Is he going to get 20? I have no idea. I don’t like to guess, but if he stays healthy with his athletic skill set, he could definitely reach the top of the game.”
Annacone’s prediction about Alcaraz’s potential seems to be coming true at an accelerated pace. As of 2024, the 21-year-old Spaniard has already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, having won four Grand Slam titles: his breakthrough victory at the 2022 US Open, followed by two Wimbledon titles (one in 2023 and another this season), and a Roland Garros title this year. In addition to these Grand Slam triumphs, Alcaraz claimed prestigious titles at Indian Wells and Beijing this year, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most promising players.
In contrast, Alexander Zverev, who surpassed Alcaraz in the ATP rankings to claim the number two spot, enjoyed a successful season of his own, winning two important titles in Paris and Rome. However, Annacone has been clear that despite Zverev’s strong results, he believes Alcaraz’s accomplishments should have placed him higher in the rankings. Speaking recently on the Tennis Channel Podcast, Annacone acknowledged Zverev’s excellent form and impressive year, but expressed his belief that Alcaraz should have retained the number two ranking, particularly given his two major titles in the same calendar year.
“Look, in my opinion, Sascha [Zverev] is having an amazing year, and the points don’t lie,” Annacone said. “He played unbelievable tennis, but you win two majors and your rank isn’t two in the world. That says there’s a glitch in the system.” Annacone’s comments reflected his dissatisfaction with the current ATP ranking system, which he believes fails to fully recognize the magnitude of Alcaraz’s achievements. Winning two Grand Slam titles in a single season is no small feat, and Annacone clearly feels that Alcaraz’s ranking should better reflect the success he’s had on the court.
This isn’t the first time that Annacone has spoken out in support of Alcaraz. The former coach of Roger Federer has long been vocal about the Spanish player’s incredible skill set and his potential to reach the highest levels of the sport. Last year, after Alcaraz triumphed at Indian Wells, Annacone made a striking comparison between the young Spaniard and Federer, suggesting that Alcaraz’s game resembled Federer’s style more than that of Rafael Nadal.
“I think he’s a lot more like Roger than Rafa,” Annacone explained in an interview with The New York Times. “Rafa couldn’t take the ball early like this when he was 19, and Rafa couldn’t come forward like this. Roger could always stay on the baseline and always look like he had time, and that’s how this kid looks.” Annacone’s comparison between Alcaraz and Federer is telling, as it underscores the young Spaniard’s fluidity and composure on the court, which are hallmarks of Federer’s style.
Annacone went on to praise Alcaraz for his remarkable combination of athleticism and technical prowess. “The interesting thing for me is watching someone who is this athletically talented, with his running, jumping, explosiveness, and flexibility, but also has the hand-eye coordination to be able to take the ball early on the rise, come forward and volley. He can also back up and change pace. He can do everything.” For Annacone, Alcaraz is the complete package—an exceptional athlete with the skills to dominate in every facet of the game. His ability to mix aggression with patience, to attack the net with precision, and to construct points with intelligence are qualities that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Despite Annacone’s consistent support for Alcaraz, the young Spaniard’s current ranking of world number three has raised questions within the tennis community. After winning two Grand Slams in a single year, one might expect Alcaraz to be in the number two spot, especially given the strong case he’s made for being one of the game’s best players. However, due to the complexities of the ATP ranking system, which takes into account a variety of factors such as points from past tournaments, injuries, and consistency, Alcaraz finds himself slightly behind Zverev, who had a strong finish to the year but did not win as many major titles.
Paul Annacone’s backing of Alcaraz is not just a reflection of his admiration for the player’s game, but also his belief that the Spaniard’s future is incredibly bright. With his all-around skill set, Alcaraz is poised to continue his rise through the rankings, and it’s likely that he will continue to challenge the sport’s top players for years to come. The 2024 season has shown that he is capable of sustaining a high level of performance on the biggest stages, and if he can stay healthy and continue to develop his game, the sky is the limit.
In the eyes of Paul Annacone, Carlos Alcaraz is not only a future Grand Slam champion but also a player who could dominate the sport for years to come. With his blend of talent, athleticism, and mental fortitude, Alcaraz has the potential to challenge the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and other tennis legends who have shaped the modern era of the game. For Annacone, Alcaraz represents the future of tennis—a future that looks incredibly promising and filled with potential.
Do you believe Alcaraz can make a strong comeback next year and reclaim his rightful position among the sport’s elite? Based on his remarkable skill set and the unwavering support from figures like Paul Annacone, it certainly seems that he’s on track for continued success.