"That helps carry the game": Carlos Alcaraz praised by Jimmy Connors for grinding to be the best and selling the game to new fans

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.

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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.

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“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.

Carlos Alcaraz

@carlosalcaraz

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