Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz could win more major titles than Pete Sampras if he keeps on the right path, according to a former great of the game.
Jimmy Connors believes the world No.1 will easily past the 10 mark as long as he doesn’t get ‘too full of himself.’ Alcaraz currently has two major titles to his name after winning the 2022 US Open and most recently Wimbledon earlier this month. He is one of only five players in the Open Era to have won multiple Grand Slam trophies before the age of 21 on the men’s Tour.
Speaking about the 20-year-old on his Advantage Connors Podcast, the American believes he must maintain his current commitment to the sport if he wants to enjoy future success. Alcaraz is coached on the Tour by Juan Carlos Ferrero and under his guidance he has won 12 Tour titles so far.
“If Carlos Alcaraz plays until he is 33. So, he has got 13 years. Let’s just say he plays for 12 more years, that is 48 more slams,” said Connors.
“And if he doesn’t get too full of himself, I would say 15 (Grand Slam titles he could win).”
“That is if he doesn’t think he doesn’t have to go out and work hard and it’s gonna come easy.
“He needs to continue what he’s doing now and looks like he will.
“He has that passion, that smile, that excitement, and that feel for what he’s doing.”
Following his win over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, Alcaraz said he hopes to inspire a new generation of players to believe they can do similar to him. Although he believes a new era of tennis is yet to begin.
Alcaraz’s views are also the same one shared by Connors who won a staggering 109 ATP titles ruing his career, including eight Grand Slams.
“There’s going to be some new kids coming up now, you know those who see him,” he said.
“The 16, 17, and 18 who see him and say, ‘If he can do it, I can do it too! If he’s working like this, I’m working like that!’ But they are all going to find their own way.
“I think he has got to start setting the precedent now for the youth.
“It only depends on what comes up behind him because he knows what is in front of him and I don’t think he’s afraid of that.”
Alcaraz is set to return to action at the Toronto Masters after playing in the Hopman Cup last week.
List of most Grand Slam titles won (men only)
- Novak Djokovic – 23
- Rafael Nadal – 22
- Roger Federer – 20
- Pete Sampras – 14
- Roy Emerson – 12
