-Alcaraz speed? Faster than Novak, maybe Rafa speed. Hard to compare. I'd say pure line speed Rafa and Alcaraz are better than Djokovic, but Djokovic's flexibility and end-range control makes them all really close. Gun to the head on speed rank I go: Peak Rafa, Alcaraz, Peak Djokovic.
- Ability to return defense to offense? This is where Rafa and Novak shine. Alcaraz is behind in this category for me. Rafa and Novak at end-range are the best of all-time. Alcaraz is good, great even, but Djokodal are freaks in this category. Novak's sliding backhand is the BOAT, Rafa's running forehand is probably the BOAT. They weren't too shabby on their weaker sides either.
- Shot tolerance? Peak Djokodal still way ahead. Alcaraz is always looking to attack. A young Novak was similar actually, way more trigger-happy on the forehand. For now, he's behind in shot tolerance.
- Return-of-serve. He's doing really well,
but still about 2% less on 1st and 2nd return points won, but he is really high up there.
But there are categories where I think Alcaraz is ahead:
- volleys. Unbelievable how good this kid's hands are. Rafa's court awareness and ability to close the net is better, but for pure hands I put Alcaraz first.
- Slice. Looks technically so sound and comfortably slicing, which again, I'm just blown away but considering he is 18 with a 2HBH...Just doesn't make sense.
- Drop shot. Hands down this is almost his trademark these days.
The forehand dropper he tried 46 times in the sunshine double, and won 41 so far.
- lob. The guy's lob has been off the charts recently. Especially off the backhand.
He's still a fair way off:
- Peak Djoker/Rafa serve.
- Peak Djoker return.
- Peak Rafa weight of shot.
- Peak Djokodal consistency and ability to just not miss point after point. AKA 2012 AO final.
There are so many positive signs with this kid though. He's hitting his first-serve in the mid 130's...I still think he needs to become a spot-server like Fed with his height, if he wants to really get his serve points won % higher. He has such a good +1 ability off both wings that he just needs to hit his spots and take advantage of the first ball as fed did so well (probably the BOAT at serve +1).
Comes forward a lot and it's exciting to wonder how good his net game can get in the next 5+ years.
Drop shots, lobs, sneaking, slicing. usually having this many shots in the toolbelt delays development because young players pick the wrong shot at the wrong time, but he seems to read the game so well and play the right shot so often. We will see how this develops.
(could do without the stupid music though)
