Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli believes Carlos Alcaraz and fellow Next Gen star Holger Rune have demanding playing styles that may not be sustainable for the body for a long time.
In an exclusive interview with Tennis Majors, Bartoli singled out Novak Djokovic who embodies all the qualities of a perfect athlete as he does what he needs to almost effortlessly while on the court. Even at 36, the former WTA star is not surprised to see Djokovic remain at the top of his game.
Alcaraz and Rune have risen through the ranks at lightning speed. The Spaniard, in particular, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom. Alcaraz became the first man born after 1990 to hold onto two Grand Slams when he won Wimbledon in July. He is also the youngest ATP year-end No. 1 in history.
Such accomplishments are backed by the sheer indefatigability he possesses while on the court. At 20, Alcaraz's endurance and stamina are attributes to behold. His explosive ground stroke power especially on the forehand has to an extent been compared to Juan Martin Del Potro's signature shot.
Bartoli warns Alcaraz and Rune will need to 'watch out' as their games put too much strain on the body, which partially explains why both players have struggled with their fitness at times this season. While both players have played attacking and vibrant tennis so far, Bartoli states that it will take 'a lot out of their bodies' in the future.
"If you will build the perfect tennis athlete you can’t have someone better than (Novak). The flexibility, the smoothness, everything moves freely."
"That’s also why Carlos and Holger got so good so early, as well. So it’s the pros and the cons from what their game styles are and the way they are built physically, but for sure they will have to watch out because if they want to last that long it’s going to take a lot out of both of their bodies."
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