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How many things have changed since Carlos Alcaraz won the BNP Paribas Open last year. Twelve months later, the young Spaniard won a second Slam, winning the Wimbledon final against Novalk Djokovic at the end of 5 exciting sets.
Then, after the Wimbledon victory, a blackout of results. For 8 months, Carlitos has no longer managed to win a title. Performances that were not up to par and some physical problems played a prominent role in this not positive period for him.
Precisely in Indian Wells – a few days after the victory in The Netflix Slam exhibition against his legendary countryman Rafael Nadal – Carlitos will look for his sporting rise.
Arriving as defending champion after last year’s success in the final against Daniil Medvedev, the Spanish tennis player will have to watch his back from Jannik Sinner, absolute dominator of the circuit at the start of the season, who could overtake him in the ATP ranking at Indian Wells.
Andre Agassi analyzed Carlos Alcaraz’s tennis evolution
In a recent interview with Tennis Majors, tennis legend Andre Agassi talked about the 20-year-old Spaniard’s moment. The former ATP no.1 analyzed the technical and psychological aspects of the young Carlitos’ tennis, trying to understand what his chances will be at the BNP Paribas Open.
“I really like his game in movement, when he’s in the air, the dynamics and his ability to use geometry and the rhythm he can impart. Sometimes I’m a little worried about him when he’s static.
When his feet don’t have to move that much, sometimes he doesn’t know where to direct the energy and sets up a little too early, he doesn’t have the same conviction in his shots when he can have control of the point,” said the American.
Agassi then analyzed the Spaniard’s game in more depth, which could become predictable for the opponents.
“If I consider Alcaraz’s ability to bring such an advantage, it will be difficult for him to keep the reins of the game and not necessarily have to do more than necessary in most of his matches.
All the greats understand what their game is based on and rely on that in the most important moments. I still wonder if Carlos has figured out what to rely on to create constant pressure on his opponent that gives him the highest point closing percentage.
He can serve, he can volley, he can drop the first ball, he can do all of that. He will find it, he is only 20 years old. He’ll be beautiful when he does. I hope he does it early and often,” analyzed Agassi.
