‘Carlos Alcaraz is a Prince, not yet King,’ says Samuel Lopez

Samuel Lopez, who is part of Juan Carlos Ferrero’s coaching staff, said Carlos Alcaraz is a prince but he is not yet a king. Alcaraz has impressed with his agility and potent game and he is the future of the game.

The Spaniard has all the skills in his game and will want to keep getting better. The youngster is already a two-time Grand Slam champion as he has won the US Open and Wimbledon.

Alcaraz bested Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Wimbledon final in the previous season. After the loss, Djokovic admitted he hasn’t played anyone like Alcaraz in his career and he has the best attributes of the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic).

“I believe Djokovic felt compelled to say something about Carlos [after the final]. Perhaps it’s an extraordinary comparison, which is very flattering for Carlos. But it’s not accurate,” Lopez in Pune to oversee the coaching programme at the JC Ferrero India tennis academy, said.

“Undoubtedly, he has the talent, comparable to [Jannik] Sinner. But for now, the Big 3 reign supreme. Carlos is a prince. He must strive, persevere, and perhaps one day ascend to become a king like them.”

Meanwhile, Alcaraz is often compared with Rafael Nadal for his never-give-up attitude on the court.

However, Lopez pointed out the difference between the two Spaniards, “They’re both Spanish, possess strong fitness levels, and play powerfully. But Carlos differs slightly from Rafa,” he noted. “For me, Rafa is the epitome of mental strength in tennis history… Carlos, on the other hand, is a different kind of number one.

“He enjoys playing for the crowd, for the spectacle. He relishes showcasing his skills and puts up a fierce fight. He’s driven to win. I’m confident Carlos will secure more Grand Slam titles, but winning Roland Garros 14 times, like Rafa, is unrealistic.”

Alcaraz will begin his Argentina Open title defense against Camilo Ugo Carabelli on Thursday.