As the 2025 French Open electrifies Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz continues to dazzle, charging into the quarter-finals with a thrilling 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Ben Shelton on June 1, 2025. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a four-time Grand Slam champion, has drawn comparisons to tennis’s greatest icons, and now, a new voice has joined the chorus of praise. Nick Cavaday, coach to British star Emma Raducanu, has hailed Alcaraz for possessing a rare skill that echoes the artistry of Roger Federer: the ability to “change direction with such ease.” As Alcaraz prepares to face Tommy Paul in a high-stakes quarter-final, Cavaday’s remarks highlight the unique blend of power, precision, and creativity that makes the defending champion a force on clay and beyond.
Alcaraz’s fourth-round clash with Shelton was a spectacle of athleticism and heart, lasting three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Spaniard’s versatility shone through, as he countered Shelton’s 143 mph serves and 116 mph forehands with a mix of heavy topspin, delicate drop shots, and blistering winners. “He is a really powerful player, he can make any shots,” Alcaraz said, acknowledging the American’s explosive style. Cavaday, reflecting on Alcaraz’s performance, pinpointed his directional agility as a standout trait. “He’s got a rare skill, like Roger Federer had, to change direction with such ease,” Cavaday noted, likening Alcaraz’s fluid movement and shot-making to the Swiss maestro’s effortless grace. This ability, seen in Alcaraz’s ability to redirect Shelton’s pace with angled forehands and backhand passes, proved decisive in a match where he saved three set points in the first-set tiebreak.
The comparison to Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, carries weight. Cavaday, who has guided Raducanu to a resurgent 2025 season with quarter-final runs in Miami and competitive matches against top players like Coco Gauff, emphasized Alcaraz’s ability to “create angles and hit the ball so cleanly.” This skill was evident in a pivotal moment in the fourth set, where Alcaraz’s perfectly executed drop shot set up a break at 2-1, sealing his path to victory. His sportsmanship also stole headlines, as he conceded a point after his racket flew from his hand during a rally, earning a standing ovation. “I would have felt guilty if I didn’t say anything,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on the gesture. “It’s just about the respect we have against each other.” Shelton, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent’s integrity: “Obviously a guy with a lot of sportsmanship.”
Alcaraz’s journey to the quarter-finals marks his third straight year reaching this stage at Roland Garros, with a 19-3 record on the Parisian clay. His 100th career clay-court win, achieved in just 119 matches, places him second only to Rafael Nadal for the fewest matches to reach that milestone in the Open Era. Yet, Alcaraz admitted to battling mental challenges during the match. “Today I fought against myself in the mind,” he said, revealing moments of frustration where he was “angry with myself, talking not good things.” His ability to overcome these struggles, paired with his Federer-esque versatility, underscores his status as a generational talent.
Cavaday’s praise extends beyond Alcaraz’s technical prowess to his competitive spirit, a trait Raducanu has been working to emulate. “Carlos brings this energy and joy to the court that lifts everyone,” Cavaday said, noting how Alcaraz’s passion mirrors Federer’s ability to captivate audiences. Raducanu, who fell to Iga Swiatek in the second round, has drawn inspiration from Alcaraz’s resilience, with Cavaday urging her to channel similar adaptability. “Emma’s working on that ability to switch tactics mid-match, like Carlos does so naturally,” he added, highlighting Alcaraz’s influence on the next generation.
As Alcaraz prepares for Paul, who defeated Alexei Popyrin in straight sets, the Spaniard faces a familiar foe. Leading their head-to-head 4-2, Alcaraz recalled their tight Olympic clash at Roland Garros in 2024, saying, “Every match I’ve played against him he was really tough.” With a 2025 clay season that includes a Rome title and a 35-7 record, Alcaraz is favored to advance, with betting odds giving him an 82% chance of victory. Yet, Paul’s aggressive style and recent clay success, including a Rome semi-final, promise a fierce battle. As Alcaraz chases a second straight French Open title, Cavaday’s comparison to Federer underscores a truth: his blend of skill, heart, and sportsmanship is redefining tennis, one breathtaking rally at a time.
Leave a Reply