Carlos Alcaraz’s coach, Samuel Lopez, is setting high ambitions for the young tennis star. With a successful start to 2023, having won the Australian Open, Alcaraz aims to emulate greats like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, seeking to achieve a calendar Grand Slam by 2026.
Alcaraz’s Historic Triumph at the Australian Open
In January 2023, Alcaraz earned his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. He accomplished this by defeating Djokovic after recovering from an initial set loss. This significant win marked a pivotal moment in Alcaraz’s career.
Targeting the Calendar Grand Slam
Lopez believes that with Alcaraz’s growing experience and skill set, it is “ambitious but possible” for him to win all four major tournaments within the same year. The French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open are now on Alcaraz’s radar.
Breaking Historical Records
Successful completion of a calendar Grand Slam would not only elevate Alcaraz but also position him ahead of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, all of whom secured three major titles in a single season. The only player to achieve this feat in the Open era is Rod Laver, who won in 1969.
Coaching Changes and Preparation
- In early 2022, Alcaraz parted ways with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
- Despite this change, he remains focused on his training under Lopez’s guidance.
Lopez praised Alcaraz’s dedication during the pre-season, highlighting his commitment, maturity, and open-mindedness to coaching. This strong work ethic has translated into positive early-season results.
Upcoming Challenges
Alcaraz is currently training in California, preparing for his next match at the Indian Wells. He is expected to face Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov in the second round, a matchup that will test his skills further as he continues his pursuit of greatness.
