Carlos Alcaraz hasn't played that well recently, but Spanish Davis Cup captain David Ferrer thinks he's the number one favorite for the Roland Garros.
The last six months haven't been that great for Alcaraz. The last notable result he had was the US Open run to the semi-final, which ended in a huge letdown. Many expected him to beat Daniil Medvedev, but he failed to do so, and since then, it's been going downhill.
Despite some solid play in Melbourne, his performance in 2024 hasn't been all that great either. A recent ankle injury didn't make anybody feel good about his chances, and it's just been a tough time for him.
In spite of that, former ATP player David Ferrer believes that Alcaraz is the favorite for the Roland Garros. He explained his stance to Marca in a recent interview in Rio de Janeiro.
"Carlos Alcaraz. He is second in the world and you cannot demand that a 20-year-old player always win. The players also know him better, but he is a special player, of the caliber of Rafa, Roger or Novak."
"Now is when you handle the pressure. Not everything is new, you demand that you always win because you are second in the world and you have been number one."
The main selling point for Ferrer is the fact that Alcaraz expects himself to win. A quarter-final is not enough. A semi-final is not enough, and winning is the goal. That in itself makes him dangerous because he believes he can do it and obviously has the level to do it.
"The semi-finals are no longer valid. He demands to win and it is not easy, it is a process and we have all been there. Well everyone, I'm referring to Carlos, Rafa, Carlos Moyá, Ferrero, who were very special players."
"It is a learning experience and Carlos is able to assume and accept where he can improve. The year has just begun and it will evolve, without a doubt."
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