“I love watching him play. He hits a shot, and he’s like ‘Woah,’ and the fans are like ‘Woah,’ and he’s like ‘Wow, I hit that.’ He’s so exciting.” These words, spoken by tennis legend Tracy Austin before the 2024 US Open, perfectly encapsulate the excitement and admiration that Carlos Alcaraz has brought to the tennis world. Despite having picked Alcaraz as the favorite to win the 2024 US Open, Tracy’s prediction didn’t come to fruition—Jannik Sinner claimed the title in a thrilling final. But the outcome didn’t diminish Austin’s love for the young Spaniard. In fact, her adoration for Alcaraz continues to grow as she witnesses him take the tennis world by storm.
### Tracy Austin’s Deep Affection for Alcaraz’s Game
Tracy Austin, a former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, has been one of Alcaraz’s most vocal admirers since his rise on the ATP Tour. During a recent appearance on the Tennis Channel, Austin joined renowned tennis journalist Jon Wertheim to discuss the top players competing at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin. The conversation turned to the skills of the eight top players, and once again, Austin’s responses made it clear where her allegiance lies.
When asked to choose the player with the best offensive skills, Austin didn’t hesitate. “To me, it’s Alcaraz. I think of him as kind of a swashbuckler, and he’s so aggressive,” she said. But that wasn’t all. When the discussion turned to the best defensive player, Austin again singled out Alcaraz. She praised the 21-year-old Spaniard’s speed, calling him “the quickest on the Tour,” and noted how difficult it is to win a point against him due to his remarkable ability to chase down balls and make impossible retrieves.
This love for Alcaraz wasn’t confined to just his offensive or defensive abilities. Austin also had high praise for the Spanish star’s variety of shots. “You know I’ve got Alcaraz there, too. I seem to be in love with Carlos,” she laughed, acknowledging that she might be a little biased, but it was clear her admiration was well-founded. “He can serve and volley, hit huge power, push players back, and he’s got the best drop shot in the game,” she continued. Alcaraz’s versatility is one of his greatest assets, allowing him to adapt his game to any surface or opponent.
In fact, Austin couldn’t stop marveling at Alcaraz’s range of shots. “He can hit drop shots, slices, huge forehands—he has everything,” she said. “The backhand slice, the way he lifts the ball for spin, his ability to adjust and read the game, it’s extraordinary.” For Austin, Alcaraz’s game is a masterclass in shot-making and athleticism, and his ability to surprise opponents with his variety of plays is what makes him such an exciting player to watch.
### A Champion Mentality Beyond His Years
Tracy Austin’s admiration for Carlos Alcaraz is not limited to his on-court talent; she is equally impressed by his mentality. In a previous interview in 2022, Austin spoke about Alcaraz’s rare champion’s mindset, something that belies his age. “Carlos already has a champion mentality. He wants to take the field and raise his level of play, regardless of who is on the other side of the net,” she explained. This mentality was evident even in his earliest Grand Slam successes, where Alcaraz displayed maturity well beyond his years.
One of the most striking examples of this champion mentality came during the 2024 Wimbledon final. Austin, who was covering the event for the Tennis Channel, couldn’t hide her amazement at Alcaraz’s ability to stay calm under the most intense pressure. In fact, she shared a memorable moment that gave fans an inside look at just how composed Alcaraz is, even in the most high-stakes situations. Austin recalled that the morning of the final, her husband was at the tournament, standing on a grass balcony above the grounds. As Carlos Alcaraz walked toward the practice courts, Austin’s husband shouted, “Come on, Carlos!” To everyone’s surprise, Alcaraz looked up, waved, and smiled, appearing completely relaxed. “It was so surreal,” Austin recalled. “Most players would be tight, nervous, getting ready to play a Wimbledon final. But Carlos just waved and seemed so at ease. It was amazing.”
Austin believes that Alcaraz’s relaxed demeanor and grounded nature are key components of his success. “He seems very grounded, and I love that about him,” Austin remarked. It’s a trait that has helped Alcaraz rise to the top of the sport without being consumed by the pressure that often accompanies success at such a young age.
### Praise from Fellow Tennis Legends
Tracy Austin isn’t the only tennis legend to heap praise on Alcaraz. Recently, German tennis star Tommy Haas, who is also a prominent figure in the tennis world, shared his admiration for the Spaniard. Speaking to *Tennis Magazine* on November 4, 2024, Haas said, “Carlos Alcaraz is the player I like to watch the most. He has the most attractive game at the moment. Sometimes he only loses because he has too many options.” Haas went on to praise Alcaraz for his dynamic game, which allows him to play a variety of styles, often making it difficult for opponents to predict what he will do next.
This type of praise from established legends in the game speaks volumes about the impact that Carlos Alcaraz has already had on the tennis world. From his aggressive playing style to his remarkable versatility and mental fortitude, Alcaraz is seen as the future of the sport—one who could dominate the men’s game for years to come.
### Looking Ahead to the 2024 ATP Finals
As the 2024 ATP Finals approach, all eyes are on Carlos Alcaraz and his rival Jannik Sinner, who are both set to compete at this prestigious year-end event. With Novak Djokovic missing from the tournament, the stage is set for a new champion to emerge. While Alcaraz will be a favorite among many, especially given his recent form and his strong showing at the 2024 US Open, the field remains incredibly competitive. Will Alcaraz’s explosive game and mental strength help him capture his first ATP Finals title? Or will Sinner continue his remarkable rise and prove himself as the dominant force in men’s tennis?
### Conclusion
Carlos Alcaraz’s star continues to shine brighter, with legends like Tracy Austin and Tommy Haas offering glowing praise for the Spaniard’s unique blend of skill, personality, and mentality. As we head into the 2024 ATP Finals and beyond, Alcaraz’s incredible potential and boundless enthusiasm make him one of the most exciting players to watch in tennis today. Whether he’s hitting a jaw-dropping forehand, sprinting to make an impossible defensive return, or showing the mental fortitude of a seasoned champion, Alcaraz is a player who has the tennis world buzzing—and it’s clear that Tracy Austin is just one of many who can’t get enough of his game.