Carlos Alcaraz’s electrifying style thrills fans worldwide, and fellow young star Ben Shelton was full of praise for him in recent comments made at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
Alcaraz is one of the most decorated 21-year-olds in the sport’s history. He has already won four Grand Slams, including the French Open and his second Wimbledon title in 2024.
Indoor hardcourts are the only conditions where Alcaraz is yet to thrive, as demonstrated by his never reaching a final at an indoor tournament. That is why one of Roger Federer’s former coaches thinks he is not the biggest threat to Jannik Sinner at the ATP Finals.
However, the Spaniard’s influence at the top of tennis stretches beyond the results he achieves. Alcaraz plays his matches with a style and a demeanor that is appealing and attracts new fans.
The two-time Wimbledon champion often hits outrageous winners during matches and possesses a complete game that includes coming to the net, slices, drop shots, and incredible athleticism.
Alcaraz also regularly smiles during his contests, which is very rare for a tennis player. Most try to stay stone-faced and emotionless to focus properly, but that approach does not always apply to Alcaraz.
Shelton shares some of those characteristics. Although their playing styles are not identical, he also wows crowds with some of his shot-making and unique personality on the court.
The American’s results are yet to match Alcaraz’s, though. He reached the third ATP Final of his career on Sunday at the Swiss Indoors, but the 22-year-old fell to the huge-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
It was an encouraging tournament for Shelton, but he did not get a chance to demonstrate his entertaining style against Mpetshi Perricard. The Frenchman conceded no break points during his 6-4, 7-6 triumph.
Before that final, Shelton outlined his admiration for Alcaraz during a press conference in Basel. He praised the Spaniard’s personality and said the 21-year-old can hit every shot imaginable.
“Alcaraz is a great athlete, capable of hitting every shot imaginable, he entertains the crowd and always has a smile on his face. He is a personality on the court, that is what I love to watch and he gives me that feeling of seeing an artist but also someone who plays at the highest level.”
Watching Alcaraz could inspire Shelton to become even better. Although he is not yet as good as the world No. 2, the Swiss Indoors runner-up undoubtedly wants to be entertaining fans with Alcaraz on the biggest stages, such as Grand Slam finals.
Shelton might also be encouraged by recent words from Patrick McEnroe. The former U.S. Davis Cup captain thinks he is the most likely American player to match Alcaraz after watching him compete at a high level against the Spaniard at the Laver Cup.
Although it will take a lot of work to reach the top of the sport and consistently compete against Alcaraz, that prospect cannot be ruled out since Shelton is hugely talented and seems destined to get better in the coming years.
