Carlos Alcaraz has the potential to be a BETTER player than Roger Federer

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Oh Roger is the GOAT, no doubt. Though Rafa is better than him and Novak is better than Rafa.

Might wanna look at that 0-6 last six vs Federer on hard court ;P. Novak got the most results indeed but he's not really the better player, he's built around abusing huge consistency high percentage which is a much easier way to reliably win all the time than by using Federer incredible shotmaking with precision which is just too hard for a human. Djokovic would've never had his results with a Federer playstyle

You don't realize how amazing it is that Federer achieved that much with that way of playing

 

[Holmes]

Yea just imagine if Djokovic grew up trying to play like Federer and a one handed backhand he'd have ended up so far behind in results lol. Guy abused consistency to the max instead of incredible shotmaking

Sampras grew up playing with a two-hander, then switched to a one and set all standards for the GOAT race. Do you consider this to be even more impressive than Federer hitting one-handed backhand from day one?

 

[Holmes]

It's funny how Clay becomes a legitimate surface depending on a fanbase agenda.
Most funny indeed.

So PETE not winning the French is not a significant difference between himself and Federer?

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Sampras grew up playing with a two-hander, then switched to a one and set all standards for the GOAT race. Do you consider this to be even more impressive than Federer hitting one-handed backhand from day one?

He played before racquet technology really upped the ante from the baseline tennis evolved can't compare too much

 

[Holmes]

He played before racquet technology really upped the ante from the baseline tennis evolved can't compare too much

Some of the best baseliners in history played in Pete's time, Courier, Agassi, tail-end of Lendl. If anything, it's more remarkable since Sampras often used his backhand to win long rallies at important moments in matches without the consistency of poly strings on his side, and with a much less forgiving racket than Federer.

 

[MeatTornado]

Imagine if Hewitt & Roddick were as good as Ruud. Federer might only have like 6 majors today.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Some of the best baseliners in history played in Pete's time, Courier, Agassi, tail-end of Lendl. If anything, it's more remarkable since Sampras often used his backhand to win long rallies at important moments in matches without the consistency of poly strings on his side, and with a much less forgiving racket than Federer.

Sure but its very different it wasn't so baseline bashing with so much control and action on the ball by your opponents. And Federer used 85 sq in or small frames for a long time

 

[LuckyR]

They are. Its basically the difference between someone who has never won the lottery vs. someone who has. Right place right time is sometimes the key to live

Not what I meant. "Better player" generally means "will win against" which when comparing eras always favors the modern era player unless there are caveats (which tennis fans are notorious for). This reality is obvious in track and field but sports with point scoring fool themselves are somehow immune to.

More success in careers (in tennis, with established tournaments) can be compared directly between eras.

 

[Mark-Touch]

My aim is to reveal Roger's true, unappreciated greatness.

OK thanks for clarifying.

It's still a strange choice of words (for a tagline/signature).
There may be a few here at TTW who don't appreciate Fed's greatness,
but the vast majority of tennis fans, worldwide, ALREADY appreciate his
greatness and need no 'unveiling' ceremonies or movement to recognize it.

 

[_phantom]

Carlos seems like a guy who has other interests in life than to keep hitting a ball until he’s 45 years old like Federer.

Srdjan likes this comment

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Not what I meant. "Better player" generally means "will win against" which when comparing eras always favors the modern era player unless there are caveats (which tennis fans are notorious for). This reality is obvious in track and field but sports with point scoring fool themselves are somehow immune to.

More success in careers (in tennis, with established tournaments) can be compared directly between eras.

It doesn't actually. Styles make fights and a weaker player in any sport might usually defeat you. Or if you have somewhat better skills but a far more difficult style to win with you may also usually lose despite being better

No one understands the more difficult playstyle thing though thats why Federer is far too underappreciated

 

[Holmes]

Sure but its very different it wasn't so baseline bashing with so much control and action on the ball by your opponents. And Federer used 85 sq in or small frames for a long time

So basically, you find it impressive that a guy raised with a one-handed backhand was able to win less than a guy raised with a two-handed backhand, but don't find it more impressive that a guy raised with a two-handed backhand was able to switch to a one-handed backhand and start the entire GOAT race to begin with, and in the process becoming the main idol of the guy with the one-handed backhand you find so impressive.

Reeks of favoritism.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

So basically, you find it impressive that a guy raised with a one-handed backhand was able to win less than a guy raised with a two-handed backhand, but don't find it more impressive that a guy raised with a two-handed backhand was able to switch to a one-handed backhand and start the entire GOAT race to begin with, and in the process becoming the main idol of the guy with the one-handed backhand you find so impressive.

Reeks of favoritism.

You're putting words in my mouth I didn't even try to choose my entire point has been its hard to compare when sampras was in a way less baseline oriented era. And you're also acting like its all about the backhand, its also about Djokovic's abusing consistency playstyle vs Federers shotmaking precision style etc.

I didn't know everything revolves around more impressive backhands and a player who isn't even involved in this

 

[MiamiWeekendWarrior]

No doubt. Roger will have the more successful career because his competition consisted of Roddick, Hewitt, and Amun-RAgassi, but Alcaraz will be the better player. He's already miles ahead of where Roger was at his age. One can't even imagine how big the gap will be when he hits his prime.

And Alcaraz's competition consists of the next-gen, most of whom would be wiped out by players like Roddick, Hewitt, and Agassi.

 

[Benf15harp3000]

He loses to sinner today

 

[Holmes]

You're putting words in my mouth I didn't even try to choose my entire point has been its hard to compare when sampras was in a way less baseline oriented era. And you're also acting like its all about the backhand, its also about Djokovic's abusing consistency playstyle vs Federers shotmaking precision style etc.

I didn't know everything revolves around more impressive backhands and a player who isn't even involved in this

You specifically mentioned the backhand as a factor in what you find impressive, and Sampras's shotmaking inspired Federer's. Aside from what Roger himself has stated, you can see almost every type of "wow shot" that Federer hit in Sampras's matches over the years. In fact, I'm not sure there are 2 players with nearly identical shots at the highest levels of the game. It really is an amazing thing to witness.

 

[LuckyR]

It doesn't actually. Styles make fights and a weaker player in any sport might usually defeat you. Or if you have somewhat better skills but a far more difficult style to win with you may also usually lose despite being better

No one understands the more difficult playstyle thing though thats why Federer is far too underappreciated

A common error. "Better" and "lose" aren't compatible. This isn't figure skating with style points. In tennis the winner is better, anything else is just ego massaging.

 

[Razer]

Federer at least had a very good H2H against the old guard of Pete/Andre so he at least took care of them for the most part. Let's see if Carlos can do that with Djokodal.

Yeah and if Carlos cannot take out Djokovic (who is fav at all the slams) and Nadal (who is is fav at french open) then it means he is a mug.
If Djokodal are around for 4-5 more and into their 40s then it would mean than new kids will arrive by the time they leave, Carlos would be 24-25 by then, he will be like the 90s boys who are being supplanted by younger players. Carlos currently has a 16 years adv over Novak and 17 years over Nadal, this is sufficient to beat them as they are on their way out for sure.

 

[TheNachoMan]

14 year old Carlos fangirls are gonna have me defending Fraud’s honor in years to come.

 

[socallefty]

Why is Federer being singled out - I know the OP is a known hater. Carlos with his variety, power and speed along with Djokovic-like flexibility looks like he has the potential to be better than any of the Big 3 in terms of his game. But, does he have the mental toughness and desire for constant improvement that they possessed for two decades each? If not, he won’t get there.

He makes too many unforced errors now going for too much power and his serve location particularly on 2nd serves is not great. Returning is also not yet at Nadal/Djokovic levels. Since the serve and return set the tone of each point, he still has a lot of improvement to do to match their level. But, he looks like he could get there.

 

[I Am Finnish]

Get a room

Oh

 

[I Am Finnish]

Imagine if Hewitt & Roddick were as good as Ruud. Federer might only have like 6 majors today.

 

[Mark-Touch]

I see the way you framed your post now.
Very clever!

Saying that Alcaraz has the potential to be BETTER than Fed (leaving no metrics at all for this)
AND also that he likely won't be as SUCCESSFUL as Fed.

Sounds like you've been eating from the same 'have your cake and eat too' as BeatlesFan has.

 

[Bambooman]

He loses to sinner today

Is there a rematch?

 

[Holmes]

I see the way you framed your post now.
Very clever!

Saying that Alcaraz has the potential to be BETTER than Fed (leaving no metrics at all for this)
AND also that he likely won't be as SUCCESSFUL as Fed.

Sounds like you've been eating from the same 'have your cake and eat too' as BeatlesFan has.

 

[Holmes]

Why is Federer being singled out - I know the OP is a known hater. Carlos with his variety, power and speed along with Djokovic-like flexibility looks like he has the potential to be better than any of the Big 3 in terms of his game. But, does he have the mental toughness and desire for constant improvement that they possessed for two decades each? If not, he won’t get there.

He makes too many unforced errors now going for too much power and his serve location particularly on 2nd serves is not great. Returning is also not yet at Nadal/Djokovic levels. Since the serve and return set the tone of each point, he still has a lot of improvement to do to match their level. But, he looks like he could get there.

Come off it, I've always been a Fedfan.

 

[Sampras-Bruguera 1993]

LOL. Do you have any idea what Fed would do to Sinner with that serve of his? 10000000-2 career h2h if he was the main rival (And only gift him the last 2 matches cause he felt bad for violating him his entire career)

 

[Holmes]

Imagine if Hewitt & Roddick were as good as Ruud. Federer might only have like 6 majors today.

Or Hurkacz. I wonder how many Wimbledons Fed would snag with a guy capable of serving him bakery products around!

 

[Bartelby]

Alcaraz is too different a player so to compare him with Federer is pointless unless we are just adding up titles, and in that case we have to wait a decade or so.

 

[Holmes]

Alcaraz is too different a player so to compare him with Federer is pointless unless we are just adding up titles, and in that case we have to wait a decade or so.

At age 19 Alcaraz had 1 slam to Federer's 0.

 

[big ted]

At age 19 Alcaraz had 1 slam to Federer's 0.

yea but Becker had 2 lol

 

[Razer]

yea but Becker had 2 lol

Yup, Becker, Borg and Wilander had 2 each at 19.

Borg, Wilander and Becker had 4 slams each at 21, Roger was 0 at that age.

 

[MiamiWeekendWarrior]

Imagine if Hewitt & Roddick were as good as Ruud. Federer might only have like 6 majors today.

Only way Hewitt and Roddick would be as good as Ruud is if Hewitt and Roddick played with a broken arm or broken leg. Those guys are so much better than Ruud and the next gen they shouldn't even be mentioned in the same discussion. Playing as good as Ruud would be a step backward for Hewitt and Roddick.

 

[TMF]

There I said it. I watched Federer since the beginning and I’ve been watching Alcaraz for the last 2-3 years and I can tell you the Spaniard has a higher ceiling than the Swiss. He's a very special talent. For starters, I think Alcaraz is a better baseliner and mentally stronger when compared to Federer. Yes I’m aware of what happened at RG 22 so don’t bother mentioning it, cause it happens, and I’ve seen enough of Alcaraz to know he’s one tough motherf*cker. Even Rick Macci himself admitted he hasn't seen anyone like this guy in the last 30 years, and he's coached the female GOAT.

I have no doubt he’ll achieve great things in the future; however, I don’t think he’ll have the same success Federer had. Alcaraz’s generation is way more talented than Federer’s generation so unfortunately for him, he won’t have Federer’s luxury as the competition will be fierce. Roddick, Hewitt and Baghadatis are really nothing compared to Medvedev, Sinner, Hurkacz, and Auger-Aliassime. Besides, Carlos seems like a guy who has other interests in life than to keep hitting a ball until he’s 45 years old like Federer. Anyways, that’s not the point.

The point is I believe The Spanish Achilles has what it takes to take Federer’s game to the next level. He'll be performing and playing tennis at a higher level. That he’ll do should he put in the effort. His backhand and RoS still leave a lot to be desired and not at Fed’s level yet but he’ll get there. Federer kept improving even in his 30s so Carlos has a lot of time ahead of him to improve.

One more thing, I’m not sure of this but I can see him becoming even a more popular player than Federer in the future. Two reasons, he’s better looking and more personable in the social media, all what’s left is success which is coming his way soon!

#Your heard it here first.
Bump it in a few years.

 

[Subway Tennis]

Alcaraz is a force of nature.
He had absolutely no business winning that first set against Sinner after Sinner came back.

Sinner was on a 5 game winning streak to get the set back on terms, then Alcaraz righted the ship JUST in time to steal the set.

Then he absolutely steamrolled the second set.

At this age Alcaraz is inexperienced enough to have these letdowns in matches where he just disappears mentally for 3-5 games at a time, but also already clutch enough to focus at the most important time and compress his best tennis into a few decisive moments at the business end of a set.

I do like Sinner in the matchup though….. these points where Alcaraz can transition from defence to attack in 2 shots and then poach easy volley winners….. Sinner is one of the few guys good enough to force Alcaraz to hit one more shot after that almost-put-away volley.

 

[rhoder]

His serve is going to be a huge headwind in his career. His style and athleticism can possibly match Roger, but the lack of a reliable serve to bail you out in key situations is going to be a liability.

 

[Ray Mercer]

Alcaraz does not make the game look effortless at all. Federer was an absolute genius with a racquet. Alcaraz is pretty explosive and athletic but he’s nowhere near as smooth and efficient. I think he’s going to have a lot of injuries in his career.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Future #1

(Posted Jan 15th 2022) Hopefully relevant to IW & works a second time...

 

[mattennis]

There I said it. I watched Federer since the beginning and I’ve been watching Alcaraz for the last 2-3 years and I can tell you the Spaniard has a higher ceiling than the Swiss. He's a very special talent. For starters, I think Alcaraz is a better baseliner and mentally stronger when compared to Federer. Yes I’m aware of what happened at RG 22 so don’t bother mentioning it, cause it happens, and I’ve seen enough of Alcaraz to know he’s one tough motherf*cker. Even Rick Macci himself admitted he hasn't seen anyone like this guy in the last 30 years, and he's coached the female GOAT.

I have no doubt he’ll achieve great things in the future; however, I don’t think he’ll have the same success Federer had. Alcaraz’s generation is way more talented than Federer’s generation so unfortunately for him, he won’t have Federer’s luxury as the competition will be fierce. Roddick, Hewitt and Baghadatis are really nothing compared to Medvedev, Sinner, Hurkacz, and Auger-Aliassime. Besides, Carlos seems like a guy who has other interests in life than to keep hitting a ball until he’s 45 years old like Federer. Anyways, that’s not the point.

The point is I believe The Spanish Achilles has what it takes to take Federer’s game to the next level. He'll be performing and playing tennis at a higher level. That he’ll do should he put in the effort. His backhand and RoS still leave a lot to be desired and not at Fed’s level yet but he’ll get there. Federer kept improving even in his 30s so Carlos has a lot of time ahead of him to improve.

One more thing, I’m not sure of this but I can see him becoming even a more popular player than Federer in the future. Two reasons, he’s better looking and more personable in the social media, all what’s left is success which is coming his way soon!

#Your heard it here first.
Bump it in a few years.

5/10

Too transparent trolling...

It's clear you wrote it all wrong on purpose.

 

[Alfred Chicken]

 

[Deleted member 791948]

Alcaraz is not an all-surface player.
Sinner is closer to Federer than Alcaraz is.
I doubt either will win 10 slams anyway....

 

[Holmes]

yea but Becker had 2 lol

And was checked by great competition. A nuisance Roger was not burdened with.

 

[Rosstour]

Sampras grew up playing with a two-hander, then switched to a one and set all standards for the GOAT race. Do you consider this to be even more impressive than Federer hitting one-handed backhand from day one?

"No one brought up Sampras"

 

[Rosstour]

Come off it, I've always been a Fedfan.

You're a Fedfan like Elon Musk is a liberal

 

[Robert F]

Alcaraz does not make the game look effortless at all. Federer was an absolute genius with a racquet. Alcaraz is pretty explosive and athletic but he’s nowhere near as smooth and efficient. I think he’s going to have a lot of injuries in his career.

At face value I totally agree. But...
I felt this way about Nadal too though, and he seemed to make a pretty good long career. I was amazed how Nadal just kept coming back from injury after injury often seeming better.
We'll just have to see how Alcaraz's body holds up.

 

[Holmes]

.

 

[Holmes]

At face value I totally agree. But...
I felt this way about Nadal too though, and he seemed to make a pretty good long career. I was amazed how Nadal just kept coming back from injury after injury often seeming better.
We'll just have to see how Alcaraz's body holds up.

Well said. Being equally talented as Roger and physically far superior, Carlos will definitely reach a higher level than the Swiss Sweetman ever dreamed of.

 

[Holmes]

Carlos's level has really been inspiring. USO title defense seems a given, and 5-6 overall seems more than reasonable. New York watch out!

 

[Mark-Touch]

OP's sig:

"MUG RF (Movement to Unveil the Greatness of Roger Federer)"

"MUG RF (Movement to Unveil Undermine the Greatness of Roger Federer)"
FTFY.
(No need to thank me).

 

[Third Serve]

It’s an insult to compare Alcaraz to a peasant like Federer.