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Alcaraz can play for more big titles, says Corretja: "Now he needs to control his calendar"

The two-time Grand Slam finalist turned commentator said Alcaraz could be among the favorites to win Roland Garros—if he can avoid over-playing in the buildup.

ByKamakshi Tandon

Published Apr 08, 2022

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WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz speaks with the media after his 2022 Miami Open final win.

Carlos Alcaraz already has the game to contend for Grand Slams, according to Alex Corretja.

The 18-year-old from Spain just won his first Masters title at Miami, took Rafael Nadal to three sets in the semifinals of Indian Wells, and is 18-2 on the season. That's because his big-hitting game comes with variety, movement and mental toughness, notes Corretja, a former Grand Slam finalist and now a Eurosport commentator.

"His consistency is just amazing," Corretja told Eurosport. "His forehand is huge, but his backhand... he has improved so much—he plays flat, and he can change to go down the line.

"Of course, when he is just running towards the ball he is very explosive.

"He can dictate, but at the same time, when he needs to defend and hang in there, he does. This is something that not everyone has. Alcaraz, for sure, has got both, so this is unbelievable, and his attitude, it is always great."

And the teenager can also get better, starting with his serving, adds Corretja, saying, ''He is improving... but still, this is the part of his game that he can still improve a lot."

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But his recent success has also come with a lot of time on court, and Corretja suggests Alcaraz should adjust his schedule accordingly.

"Now, he needs to control his calendar, he needs to know where he wants to be at his peak,” said Corretja. "So you have got this freshness... but also, you need a little bit of experience."

If he can avoid playing more than he should coming into the French Open, Alcaraz could challenge for the title, says Corretja. Both his previous two titles have been on clay, including the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, which he won just a few weeks ago.

"He has got a real shot of winning Roland Garros, for sure. He is going to be among the top three or four players to win the tournament," said Corretja.

Alcaraz is a career-high No. 11 in the rankings.