Jimmy Connors, 8-time Grand Slam winner
Carlos Alcaraz began his title defense at the Masters 1000 in Miami by destroying the “poor” Bagnis in a little over an hour in a 6-0, 6-2 that leaves no room for imagination. Having won his first career game at Indian Wells, the 19-year-old Spaniard feels right at home on hard courts in the United States, where he has recorded a career-best overall result.
Mission title defense: ON
defending champion @carlosalcaraz returns to Miami with an authoritative 6-0, 6-2 win over Bagnis!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/0DWkicrg8R
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 24, 2023
But it’s not just the conditions that benefit him. In addition to his talent, a fire that is superior to his opponents burns in him, which drives him to do his best every day in training and in games. So he thinks Jimmy ConnorsHis Stars and Stripes tennis legend who spoke about the very young No. 1 on his podcast “Connor’s Advantage”. Jimbo was in California in the stands and between camps last week and was really impressed with Murciano’s play and more importantly his attitude.
“Alcaraz is playing very well but what really sets him apart from all other young players is his strong desire and ambition to win, to be the best“, says the eight-time Grand Slam winner. “You can clearly see how he goes about his day, he trains, he plays, he plays at an incredible level and is extremely mature for a 19- or 20-year-old man. Even if he has already won the US Open, a lot can still happen, he is still gaining experience and can still grow a lot. It’s incredible”.
“Carlos has this desire to be the best that he is right now as he’s already world No. 1, but that’s not all. He played impressively at Indian Wells, won without losing a set and beat the players he beat and… how he beat them. He deserves it”.
“He has the right attitude, that of a champion. If he stays healthy and keeps that desire, keeps that attitude, keeps pushing to improve and be competitive in every game, he’ll be hard to stop. In the last two years I have seen many of these young people coming. Yes, they’re great players, ok, but none, and I stress none of them have stood out for that will and that willingness to give it their all every time you go out there like he does. That sets it apart from all the others“.
Interesting reflections coming from a super champion who had as his forte fighting spirit and desire to shine in every match. Carlos and Jimmy belong to different eras, they have a different game, but certainly for the will to win and courage – but for the lack of behavior – they are of the same material that forges the best.
Marco Mazzoni
