Carlos Alcaraz had one of the most dominant teenage years on the ATP Tour in the history of the sport.
As the Spaniard turns 20 today, we can talk about his teenage years only in the past tense, but age doesn't matter when talking about his accomplishments. So far, he reached the world no. 1 spot, as the youngest man ever to do it, and has one Grand Slam title to his name.
However, comparisons with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer are already emerging, but it's important to remember that although Alcaraz is very impressive, he's currently still 21 Grand Slams aways from Nadal and Djokovic.
Andy Roddick, who himself knows how it feels to be the world no. 1 and win a major title, thinks that conversations are premature as the Spaniard is still only 20 and to see what he will be really capable of will take time.
"It’s not a given to be at his current level for the next 15-20 years. The Big Three have made the conversation premature for the next decade."
Previously, Roddick said that Alcaraz is the most complete 19-year-old male player that he's ever seen, but the American can differentiate between the present and what may or may not happen in the future. Right now, he thinks the Spaniard doesn't have any weaknesses.
"I’ll be sure to pump the brakes on giving my opinions… about tennis…. On TV ….. on a show that people watch for tennis coverage ….. there’s plenty of time ahead and not saying he will have the career they have. Simply, guy doesn’t have weaknesses right now. At 19, not sure."
Once again, Roddick wasn't afraid to repeat that Alcaraz is the most complete player that he's ever seen as a teenager.
"So you’re predicting he’s not mentally tough? Has he shown anything so far that suggests he’s not mentally tough? Also you don’t think he’s expected to win? I appreciate you explaining pressure and expectation to me. But yes I think Carlos is the most complete player I’ve ever seen at 19."
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