Early in the second set of Carlos Alcaraz’s third-round victory at the Miami Open, Dusan Lajovic, a Serbian veteran, was suffocating under the world No 1’s relentless pressure. Lajovic threw down everything he had, directing a forehand approach shot down the line and then connecting with a backhand overhead to the other line. In three rapid steps, Alcaraz flitted from the left side of the court to the right and cracked an angled forehand passing shot past Lajovic at the net. Then he smiled.
Alcaraz is the most dynamic, creative player in men’s tennis right now, a walking highlight reel, and seemingly every single match he plays brings similar exhibitions of skill and athleticism. His speed makes it so difficult to put the ball past him, and he pairs his defence with unwavering aggression off both wings and hand skills that allow him to unload from any position on the court.
