Martina Navratilova believes Carlos Alcaraz will influence other players just like Rafael Nadal influenced his game. Alcaraz, 19, is already a very complete player but it is his drop shot that is standing out. Alcaraz makes drop shots at a very high level and it makes his rivals always think if he is going to change the pace and go for a drop shot.
“I do see the knockdown effect already, more players using more drop shots. I think he will have an effect on the game, in players really seeing, ‘I just cannot hit amazing forehands and backhands, I have to be an all-court player, I have to have the touch, I have to be brave, etc.’
I think he’ll have a really good influence on the players the way he’s been influenced by Rafa Nadal, in his demeanor and the way he plays. I think he will have the knockdown effect on other players, on both the women’s tour and the men’s tour,” Navratilova said on Tennis Channel, per Sportskeeda.
Navratilova: I tipped Alcaraz to become great
12 months ago, Alcaraz became a Masters champion after beating Casper Ruud in the Miami final. Now, Alcaraz is a Grand Slam champion, a three-time Masters champion, as well as the world No 1.
“Last year, when he (Carlos Alcaraz) won this tournament, I put him up there with Medvedev, Djokovic, and Nadal, since Federer wasn’t playing, in the Top-4 in a Major. I saw it. It wasn’t an accident the way he played here.
He’s been improving so much but already came to the tour as a full-on player, full-court, no weaknesses, and then he made the strengths even stronger. By far, he’s the best mover on the court,” Navratilova said. Last year in Miami, Alcaraz said he was ready to win a Grand Slam. This year in Miami, Alcaraz announced he will also win his second Grand Slam in the near future.
