"That helps carry the game": Carlos Alcaraz praised by Jimmy Connors for grinding to be the best and selling the game to new fans
ATP
Jimmy
Connors praised Carlos Alcaraz's on-court attitude, even when he loses.
World No. 2
Carlos Alcaraz has been in the spotlight of the ATP Tour since last year and
quickly transitioned from being a prospect to becoming the world No. 1 and
winning two Grand Slam titles, all while being only 20 years old.
The
Spaniard leads the number of victories in the 2023 season with a record of
63-8, with six of those losses coming against top-10 players.
Jimmy
Connors, who discusses tennis in his podcast "Advantage Connors,"
lauded what Alcaraz has achieved in the last two seasons and the personality he
demonstrates even in defeat:
“I like his
attitude. I like it; not only the way he talks off the court but also the way
he is on the court; and the way he goes at it. The way he gives it his all,” 8-times
Grand Slam champion said.
“I keep
saying that, you know, that’s what they get paid the big bucks for. They should
go out and give it their all; but he does,” he added.
“And I like
seeing that - those guys that are digging, getting in the dirt, getting dirty
and grinding and know just what it means to be the best player in the world or
to win a Major Championship; to know what it means to them personally but also
to tennis in general. That helps carry the game - these young guys. They are
the sellers now,” claimed Connors.
Alcaraz has
had a good campaign in the Shanghai Open so far, following his semifinal defeat
at the China Open against Jannik Sinner, who later became the tournament
champion.
The
Spaniard has reached the round of 16 in Shanghai with impressive victories over
Gregoire Barrere and Dan Evans. His next match will be against Grigor Dimitrov,
against whom the young star holds a 3-0 head-to-head advantage.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
