Carlos Alcaraz: John McEnroe says Spaniard 'a little bit flat' in Australian Open win despite 'unthinkable' shots
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Published 18/01/2024 at 10:17 GMT
Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe says Carlos Alcaraz was the 'B' version of himself in a second-round win over Lorenzo Sonego at the Australian Open, but says the world No. 2’s “incredible love of being out there and competing” will mean he can always pull off “unthinkable” shots, no matter how he is playing. Alcaraz hit an outrageous round-the-net shot during the match.
Alcaraz with 'shot of the match' after 'a flash of brilliance' from Sonego
Video credit: TNT Sports
John McEnroe praised Carlos Alcaraz for his “unthinkable” shot-making in a second-round win over Lorenzo Sonego at the Australian Open, but says the world No. 2 only performed as the 'B' version of himself.
The Wimbledon champion was given a stern test by the Italian before sealing a 6-4 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(3) victory on Rod Laver Arena.
Alcaraz pulled off an outrageous round-the-net shot at 3-3 in the second set, and Eurosport expert McEnroe says his skills will often get him out of trouble, no matter how he is playing.
“What Carlos brings to the table is that incredible love of being out there and competing; pulling off what you consider to be unthinkable,” said the seven-time Grand Slam champion on Eurosport.
“In this match, for him, I thought he was a little bit flat. He just didn’t have that game that we usually see.
“He got that job done, and that’s the sign of a champion. He’s only 20, so he’s still going to learn.
“You win when you’re not playing your best, that was the ‘B’ Carlos Alcaraz, but he did what he had to do.”
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'That's the sign of a champion' - McEnroe reacts to Alcaraz's victory
Video credit: TNT Sports
Alcaraz says his incredible shot, which will go down as one of the best at the tournament so far, took him by surprise as he has not pulled many of them off in the past.
“I obviously don’t practise it, I just close my eyes and pray to God!” the world No. 2 told Eurosport.
“He hit that backhand volley, and I just hit it down the line and if it was in, it was pretty good. But if [it wasn’t, at least] I tried. That’s all.”
Eurosport expert Tim Henman pointed out it is not easy to pull off shots like that on the regular tour, where the net is often not changed between singles and doubles matches.
But McEnroe was keen to point out he has had success with round-the-net shots himself.
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'I just close my eyes and pray!' - Alcaraz happy with some of his shot making
Video credit: TNT Sports
“[I’ve hit] 74 [winners around the net]! I’m kidding,” he said.
“I did do it once against Ivan Lendl in the final of a big event in Dallas which felt incredible.
“He said it went in between the net and the post, and it won me the match. It was 6-0 in the fifth set tie-breaker.
“It was a forehand, and the umpire gave me the point. That was the one occasion in my 15-year career that I can say thank you to the umpires.”
Alcaraz next faces wildcard Juncheng Shang in the third round.
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