Carlos Alcaraz French Open: Insights from Jim Courier on His Aggressive Playing Style
By James Walker-Roberts
Published 30/05/2025 at 23:53 GMT+1
Match Recap: Alcaraz’s Victory Over Dzumhur
Carlos Alcaraz secured a spot in the fourth round of the French Open 2025 after a hard-fought victory over Damir Dzumhur. Initially, he dominated the first two sets, but his performance dipped, leading to a challenging battle to clinch the win. This match sparked a conversation among TNT Sports analysts Jim Courier, Mats Wilander, and Alex Corretja about whether Alcaraz should adjust his aggressive playing style for greater success.
Jim Courier Analysis: Alcaraz’s Aggressive Playing Style
Jim Courier expressed mixed feelings about Alcaraz’s “unbelievably aggressive mindset.” Most importantly, the defending champion seemed poised for an easy win, losing only four games in the first two sets. However, as his performance wavered, Dzumhur seized the third set and gained a break in the fourth before Alcaraz rallied to victory.
Courier shared his conflicting thoughts:
“I’m torn about it. I admire his unique style and aggressive mindset, which is a stark contrast to the usual Spanish focus on percentage tennis. Yet, part of me wonders if he should temper his aggression to challenge all-time great records. In 10-15 years, we might compare him to legends like Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.”
Courier also addressed Alcaraz’s strengths and challenges:
“He’s fascinating; few can innovate and execute flawlessly like him. However, maintaining focus without hitting brilliant shots is tough for him. While this discipline can be learned, it’s not his forte. His strength lies in captivating audiences and delivering jaw-dropping performances, but that also brings risks and inconsistencies.”
Mats Wilander’s Thoughts: Tactical Adjustments
TNT Sports expert Mats Wilander believes Alcaraz needs to be more “tactically minded” to reach the pinnacle of tennis. Because managing match duration is crucial in Grand Slams, Wilander highlighted:
“Alcaraz sometimes struggles to find a way out of tough spots, even though he wins. Spending three hours and 14 minutes on the court instead of two hours and 14 minutes can make a significant difference in a Grand Slam.”
Wilander added that avoiding performance dips is crucial for becoming an all-time great:
“Tactically minded players don’t experience these drop-offs. They’re focused on their opponents and executing the right shot at the right time. Rafa, Roger, and Novak exemplify this focus.”
For further insights into tennis strategies, you can explore The Evolution of Aggressive Tennis Strategies.
Alex Corretja’s Perspective: Patience in Growth
Alex Corretja remains unconcerned about Alcaraz’s playing style:
“At 22, he’s still learning. It’s too harsh to say we see these issues too often. Dzumhur played an outstanding match. While Alcaraz might need to be more practical at times, the changing conditions worked in Dzumhur’s favor, and he played brilliantly. Alcaraz handled it well and is prepared to succeed in the tournament.”
Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton Preview
Looking ahead, Carlos Alcaraz will face American Ben Shelton in their first clay-court encounter. This match promises to be an exciting showcase of Alcaraz’s aggressive style and Shelton’s adaptability. For those interested in Alcaraz’s journey, the official Roland Garros player profile offers valuable background information on his career and achievements. 🎾
