The analyst and former ATP player argues that the remarkable achievements of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have created an unrealistic standard by which players like Alcaraz are being evaluated.
Alcaraz has already experienced tremendous success in his young career, winning two major titles and becoming the youngest player to be ranked ATP world No 1 after his victory at the 2022 US Open.
Since his impressive win at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships in July, the 20-year-old has faced more challenging times. The Spaniard reached his only final since Wimbledon at the Cincinnati Masters in August.
In the quarter-finals of the 2024 Australian Open last month, the world No 2 had an inconsistent performance and was defeated in four sets by Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles won by a male player, with 24 to his name. Nadal and Federer follow closely behind with 22 and 20 titles, respectively.
During an episode of Tennis Channel’s Inside-In podcast, Petchey defended Alcaraz against the criticism he received after the Australian Open and predicted that the young Spaniard will win many more major titles.
“What was that, his 13th major or something (at the 2024 Australian Open)? He’s already won two of them, and yet everyone is already criticizing him, saying he needs to do more,” said the former British No 1.
“We are living in an extraordinary time because we have these three players who have won 20 or more majors and have achieved sporting immortality. So anyone else who comes after them is being judged against this unrealistic benchmark that they will never reach. Do I think Carlos will win 20 Grand Slams? No, but will he win double digits? I believe he will. That’s a pretty good career, right?”
“I would rather be in Carlos’s position with a couple of major titles under his belt than someone who hasn’t achieved it and is at the end of their career wondering if they ever will. Personally, I think his situation is quite favorable.”
Currently, Alcaraz is competing at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, where he is the top seed and defending champion. He will face Nicolas Jarry in the semi-finals on Saturday.
According to the Source tennis365.com