Courier believes Alcaraz becoming World Number One wasn't an 'unexpected outcome': "Is one of those players who is groomed to be World No. 1"

Jim Courier didn't find Carlos Alcaraz becoming number one in the world unexpected as he was 'groomed to be number one'.

Jim Courier got the watch Alcaraz play a few times this year and the American was certainly among many of those impressed by what he has been able to do this year. Alcaraz made his way all the way to number one even finishing the year as the top player in the world despite missing out on the chance to play at the ATP Finals.

Speaking to the Tennis Channel, Courier said:

"I wouldn't say there is a huge difference between No. 1 and No. 4 as far as they are having a target, everyone in that class of a rankings is gonna have a target on the back of every match they play is a chance for someone to make a name for themselves if they haven't already."

He added:

"You have to be ready for someone to bring out their best everytime. But on the footsite you're also carrying the confidence of all the matches you have won, that got you there and you know if you hold the line of play and play sort of normal tennis then someone has to do a bit of something special to beat you, but this happens."

On the Spaniard becoming number one, Courier said:

"The one thing that I'd say that I think is different for Alcaraz than it was for me, I didn't ever expect to get to No. 1. I certainly worked for it, and I got there and I earned it and I loved being there for the period of time I was able to hang on to it. Alcaraz is one of those players who is groomed for [being World No. 1] and had the ability to pass the eye test of this guy is likely to get to the No. 1 at some point."