Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 has been truly excellent, considering that the Spanish player is only 21 years old. The former world number 1 started winning very early and the expectations became bigger and bigger, perhaps excessive. The 21-year-old from Murcia has already achieved extraordinary results and his very complete game is loved by fans all over the world. Carlitos has already won four Grand Slam titles and five Masters 1000 titles, but the numbers do not fully reflect the greatness of this champion.
In 2024, the Spaniard became the youngest ever to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season. Alcaraz was almost unstoppable during the summer, but he failed to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics because he had to succumb to Novak Djokovic’s amazing version.
The Olympic gold medal was Nole’s main goal, as he put off a truly incredible performance in the final on the iconic Philippe Chatrier. Carlitos also played an excellent match, but struggled more than the Serbian to manage his nerves and pressure. The world No. 3 has lacked some consistency in the Masters 1000 this year, having collected only 75% of victories in this type of tournament. It is also for this reason that Alcaraz occupies the third position in the ATP ranking despite winning two Major titles this season.
The Spanish champion must play well at the ATP Finals if he wants to overtake Alexander Zverev before the end of the season. At the same time, Carlitos must hope that Sascha does not reach the final in Turin. By reaching the final of the Finals and earning 1000 points, the German would guarantee himself the certainty of ending 2024 as world number 2.
John Isner’s words
According to some fans and insiders, it is not fair that Alcaraz is in third position having won two Grand Slam titles and a Masters 1000 in 2024. Zverev has been very consistent this season and has won the Masters 1000 in Rome and Paris-Bercy, but has not reached Carlos’ peaks in the Majors.
In the latest edition of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, former American ace John Isner said that Sascha deserves to have a better ranking than Carlitos: “The answer is no. We all know how good Sascha is at these Masters 1000’s, he’s won seven of them now after winning Paris, which is insane, how consistent he’s been at those level tournaments. But Alcaraz won two Slams, if he finishes three in the world, he’ll be just fine with that, not annoyed at all.” He also added: “Sascha on the other hand, he’s had everything other than a Slam, we know how good he is, he’s so good at these Masters 1000 events. You know for me he deserves to be number two right now.”
Despite Zverev being world No. 2, bookmakers consider Alcaraz to be the second favorite to win the Nitto ATP Finals behind world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The 21-year-old from Murcia will make his debut in Turin tomorrow against Casper Ruud, while the German will play against Andrey Rublev.
Different choices
Before his first match in Turin, Zverev explained how difficult it is to face Alcaraz and Sinner right now: “Yeah, it’s great. I prefer to have Carlos than anybody else, for sure. It’s so easy to play against him. Especially in big matches, he’s proven in Grand Slam finals he’s not so good. He’s never lost, no?
I don’t know. But I feel like they are so aggressive. I think tennis is going towards that direction. I think when they get an easy ball, when they’re in an attacking position, 90% of the time the point is over, whether it’s a winner or an unforced error. That’s how hard they hit the ball, that’s how aggressive they are. I think in that aspect I can improve. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Alcaraz and Sinner will end their season at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, in which Spain and Italy will be the main favorites to lift the trophy. Sascha – on the other hand – will not help Germany in Malaga and will go on vacation immediately. The German champion has decided to start his off-season earlier to be ready for the United Cup, which will be his only event before the 2025 Australian Open.
Sinner, Alcaraz, Zverev and Djokovic will be the top favorites in Melbourne next January, while Daniil Medvedev is behind them right now. The Russian ace – who reached the AO final this year – is experiencing the most delicate moment of his career and seems to have lost his certainties.