Carlos Alcaraz won't win 20 Grand Slams says Mark Petchey: "We live in an unnatural time"

Saturday, 17 February 2024 at 22:30

The tennis commentator Mark Petchey stated that Carlos Alcaraz will not win 20 Grand Slams in his career, emulating the Big-3, but he believes that he will probably reach double digits. Up to this point, the 20-year-old Spaniard has secured two Grand Slam titles, and for many, he is seen as the successor to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Alcaraz's significant success at such a young age draws comparisons with the all-time Grand Slam winners, although the young star is still far from competing at the level of the Big-3, a standard that Petchey considers a "ridiculous benchmark."

Read also

As Petchey commented on the Inside-In podcast on Tennis Channel, the criticisms against Alcaraz following his exit in the semifinals of the Australian Open are somewhat unjustified, and he expressed his opinion that the Spaniard will win many more Grand Slams.

“I mean, what was that, his 13th major or something (at the 2024 Australian Open), he’s already won two of them, and everyone’s already coming crashing down and saying, like, ‘he needs to do this’,” the former British No 1 said.

“We live in an unnatural time, because we’ve had these three players that have won 20-plus majors and they have made sporting immortality, like normal,” he added.

Read also

“So everybody else that’s coming in their shadow is getting judged on this ridiculous benchmark that they are never going to hit. Do I think Carlos is ever gonna hit 20 Grand Slams? I don’t, but will he win double digits? I think he will, pretty good career right?”

“I’ll rather be in Carlos’s shoes with a couple of majors under his belt than someone that hasn’t got it who is at the back end of their career, the epilogue of their career going, ‘am I ever gonna do it? I like his situation personally,” Petchey concluded.

Tennis TV

@TennisTV

·Follow

Safely through to the semis 🫡 @carlosalcaraz gathers momentum and gets past Vavassori 7-6(1) 6-1 in Buenos Aires! @ArgentinaOpen

Watch on X

11:23 PM · Feb 16, 2024

619

Read 6 replies

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

Tommy PAUL dominates Frances TIAFOE, secures spot in Delray Beach Open final

Carlos ALCARAZ falls just short of the Argentina Open 2024 final after a painful two-set loss to Nicolás JARRY