Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 stint has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Spaniard bagging two Grand Slam titles and an Indian Wells Masters title, setting the stage for his much-anticipated debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old has displayed unwavering determination that has marked him as one of the sport’s brightest young stars with an already impressive record of four major titles, all on different surfaces. How will he fare on the prestigious Olympic stage?
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Early Setbacks and a Strong Comeback
The year began on a disappointing note for Alcaraz. In Melbourne Park, he pressed on to the quarterfinals of the Major tournament to face Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard made a slow start against the German and was unable to turn the tide of the match when he had the chance. After clinging onto the third set, Alcaraz was unable to sustain the level of tennis in the fourth. When it counted most, Zverev delivered a superior performance, resulting in a four-set defeat for Alcaraz 6-1 6-3 6-7(2) 6-4.
“I think I had chances, you know… 4-3 in the fourth set. I didn’t take it. You know, a lot of up-and-downs with my level, with my tennis, with the serves,” said Alcaraz.
“That’s it. I have to improve. I have to still [keep] working on it, and let’s see in the future.”
Unfortunately, not soon after in Rio, he was forced to retire, after a lateral sprain to his ankle two games in. However, he was undeterred, arriving in Indian Wells with a newfound spirit. His run at Indian Wells was one that perhaps kicked off the momentum for the rest of the season. After defeating Matteo Arnaldi, he took out Félix Auger-Aliassime and Fábián Marozsán in straight sets. He faced Alexander Zverev once again in the quarterfinals. Amidst swatting bees, he managed to smash forehand winners of up to 100mph and was impenetrable, covering every inch of the court with precision, and only committing 13 unforced errors to the German’s 26.
Alcaraz said after the match, “The way I’m using the court I think is really important for me, for my game. The opponent doesn’t know what’s going to come next. Probably I’m going to return some inside the court and in the deep parts. It’s kind of confusing for them, that’s my style, that’s my game.”
In the semifinals, he took down an in-form Jannik Sinner, ending his 19-match win streak and advancing to the final, determined to defend his title. He faced Daniil Medvedev in the final but had a slow start, making mistakes and falling behind. Alcaraz quickly picked his game and took the opening set when his Russian opponent’s forehand went wide in the tiebreak. He went on to hit 25 winners against Medvedev’s 11 to sail through the second set to take the match 7-6(5) 6-1 and retain his title.
Grand Slam Glory
Alcaraz entered the Paris tournament on the back of a quivery clay court season. A right forearm injury forced him to withdraw from Monte-Carlo and Barcelona. He competed in the Madrid Open attempt to defend his title, advancing to the quarterfinals with a compression sleeve on his right forearm. Andrey Rublev however, ended his run, 4-6 6-3 6-2. Rublev hit 30 winners, composed, serving well and stepping inside the baseline to hurry his opponent. Alcaraz went on to withdraw from the Italian Open as well, his injury persistent and causing him discomfort.
He arrived at Roland Garros, rested and hungry for more. He made his run to the semifinal where he faced Jannik Sinner, the current World No.1. Alcaraz’s errors and Sinner’s incredible defense resulted in the first set going to the Italian, but the Spaniard managed to break momentum. The pendulum felt like it was swinging back and forth but the match ended in Alcaraz’s favour, the Spaniard winning 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3.
In the final, he won against Alexander Zverev, scoring the “Surface Slam,” an achievement that he accomplished faster than the Big Three. He was rapid, tactical, and most importantly his prowess was unmatched.
With Wimbledon, the shift to grass is usually difficult but for Alcaraz, his variety of play, and the “Spanish never die” attitude, took him to the final of the slam. He faced 7-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic but managed to dominate the Serbian with how he covered the baseline play, and phenomenal winners, completing his first “Channel Slam”, and taking the grass major title.
Paris Olympics
Carlos Alcaraz is set to enter both singles and doubles draw. With his record on clay, his excellent touch, volleys and drop shots that showcase his variety, he is one of the favourites for the Summer Games. His game seems to be one of the most complete on the tour right now so it is not a far reach to say that he will grab that Gold Medal.
For doubles, he is set to compete alongside compatriot Rafael Nadal. The two have sparked excitement in the sport, with this year being Nadal’s final Olympics, and Alcaraz’s first, the duo representing the sacred passing of the baton to the new era of tennis.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
