This might be a bit of recency bias, but I don't see how Djokovic could have come out with a different result vs the form that Alcaraz showed yesterday (though the scoreline liekly would have been closer). The kid has speed, touch and power that I think would have also outmaneuvered the likes of current Djokovic. What do you think?
Thanks H Yang.! It's hard to make that comparison. Djokovic returns closer to the baseline and overall has a better forehand than Daniil, so the match up is entirely different. I think on the Indian Wells surface it is better for Alcaraz than for Djokovic, but I would have loved to see them square off to see how it would play out. Looking forward to hopefully seeing them meet in the clay swing. (Along with a healthy Rafa)
Looks like Alcaraz made the change to shorten his forehand when rushed, a flaw on running and rushed forehands you've previously described. I've noticed he put extra effort into all running forehands this tournament, as if to showcase his training in improving that (former) weakness.
Have you noticed improvement in his backhand technique in regards to the outside vs inside takeback issue you've discussed in the past? It would mainly be an issue on lower balls, but he gets very low by bending his knees and he's also not that tall, so maybe the outside prep isn't going to be a big issue for him?
Maybe. He often keeps it lower on return or when rushed for time. His running and cross forehands looked great all week. Could also be these conditions suiting him. I think his backhand is still the same, and I still think the same thing; won't be as good as Djokovic backhand, but it is still a great shot and he is a hell of a talent
I was thinking the same given how well he hung in on the BH to BH rallies yesterday. More than hung in really. Don't have the stats, but it looked like he won a handy majority of those exchanges
Also, seemed to hit with more net clearance on rally ball FHs rather than try to flatten everything out for winners
Do you think Alcaraz’s forehand can be an all time great? Or is there technical changes he can make before this claim is possible?
Currently, it already seems so versatile and deadly. Power, spin, margin, forecourt transition. The adjustments he can make with his take back gives him so many options. The shorter, federer-esque preparation for rushed, defensive positons and then inverting the tip for massive offense and speed. Cherry on top is the touch and feel on flicks and topspin lobs.
Only question mark left imo is whether this consistency will continue in all matchups and if itll be flexible for all surfaces. Last year, he’d have spells of UE, but it really feels like he’s refined himself this year into an entirely new beast
I think it can be an all-time great forehand for sure. And it's too early to tell if he is more consistent, that IW surface suits him to a tee. We will have to wait to see how he goes in the indoor and grass season later this year.
Another terrific write-up, Hugh!
This might be a bit of recency bias, but I don't see how Djokovic could have come out with a different result vs the form that Alcaraz showed yesterday (though the scoreline liekly would have been closer). The kid has speed, touch and power that I think would have also outmaneuvered the likes of current Djokovic. What do you think?
Thanks H Yang.! It's hard to make that comparison. Djokovic returns closer to the baseline and overall has a better forehand than Daniil, so the match up is entirely different. I think on the Indian Wells surface it is better for Alcaraz than for Djokovic, but I would have loved to see them square off to see how it would play out. Looking forward to hopefully seeing them meet in the clay swing. (Along with a healthy Rafa)
Looks like Alcaraz made the change to shorten his forehand when rushed, a flaw on running and rushed forehands you've previously described. I've noticed he put extra effort into all running forehands this tournament, as if to showcase his training in improving that (former) weakness.
Have you noticed improvement in his backhand technique in regards to the outside vs inside takeback issue you've discussed in the past? It would mainly be an issue on lower balls, but he gets very low by bending his knees and he's also not that tall, so maybe the outside prep isn't going to be a big issue for him?
Maybe. He often keeps it lower on return or when rushed for time. His running and cross forehands looked great all week. Could also be these conditions suiting him. I think his backhand is still the same, and I still think the same thing; won't be as good as Djokovic backhand, but it is still a great shot and he is a hell of a talent
I was thinking the same given how well he hung in on the BH to BH rallies yesterday. More than hung in really. Don't have the stats, but it looked like he won a handy majority of those exchanges
Also, seemed to hit with more net clearance on rally ball FHs rather than try to flatten everything out for winners
Kid is an absolute joy to watch
Do you think Alcaraz’s forehand can be an all time great? Or is there technical changes he can make before this claim is possible?
Currently, it already seems so versatile and deadly. Power, spin, margin, forecourt transition. The adjustments he can make with his take back gives him so many options. The shorter, federer-esque preparation for rushed, defensive positons and then inverting the tip for massive offense and speed. Cherry on top is the touch and feel on flicks and topspin lobs.
Only question mark left imo is whether this consistency will continue in all matchups and if itll be flexible for all surfaces. Last year, he’d have spells of UE, but it really feels like he’s refined himself this year into an entirely new beast
I think it can be an all-time great forehand for sure. And it's too early to tell if he is more consistent, that IW surface suits him to a tee. We will have to wait to see how he goes in the indoor and grass season later this year.