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16 Days After Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open Dreams Disintegrated Into Dust, Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Makes a Bold Prediction for the Spaniard

Published 09/25/2023, 10:50 AM EDT

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It is hard to argue with the fact that Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz is the present and future of men’s tennis. The 20-year-old can no longer be called just a rising star – he has proven time and again that he is here to stay, and shown that he is the right candidate to replace the Big 3 at the helm of men’s tennis going forward. Quite naturally, fans and experts alike have lots of hope pinned on the youngster.

However, the 2022 US Open champion was unable to defend his title this time around, as he was knocked out in the semifinals of the final grand slam of the year. Despite this, Serena Williams‘ childhood coach Rick Macci has predicted a blockbuster 2024 for Alcaraz. Here’s what he said.

Rick Macci predicts a super-successful season ahead for Carlos Alcaraz

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Currently placed at number 2 in the ATP rankings, Carlos Alcaraz proved his mettle as he overcame the mighty Novak Djokovic challenge to win his first Wimbledon title and second major earlier this year. Heading into New York, the Spaniard was in a prime position to defend his US Open crown. But unfortunately, he was defeated by Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the event.

via Reuters

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Serena Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci believes that Alcaraz may go on to win as many as 3 grand slams in 2024. According to him, this semifinal loss will fuel the Spaniard to regain momentum and shine on the biggest stage. “The best thing ever for @carlosalcaraz was losing in the semis of the U.S OPEN. That painful stinging feeling will be a Priceless New York Gold Nugget in his back pocket for life and will IGNITE the Spanish Magician to bust through the Door and maybe grab 3 Slams in 2024”, he tweeted.

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Novak Djokovic clinched the US Open title defeating Medvedev, and with Carlos Alcaraz losing out in the semis, the legendary Serb regained the number 1 spot in the ATP rankings from the Spaniard. Is this the start of an inter-generational rivalry? Many pundits are of a similar opinion.

‘Why Is Carlos Calling Me?’ – 28-Year-Old Colombian Singer Reveals Private Conversation with Carlos Alcaraz as US Open Plans Unveiled

A clash of generations in new rivalry in men’s tennis

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Two of Novak Djokovic’s greatest rivals – Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who along with the Serb are famously known as the Big 3 of tennis – are absent from the tour. But as this year has shown, the legendary Serb has found himself a new and worthy rival – Carlos Alcaraz.

They are currently tied with 2 wins each in their head-to-head record and all 4 matches played between them have been instant classics. And as 36-year-old Djokovic looks as fresh as ever on the tennis court, fans can’t help but look forward to more of this brewing rivalry.

via Imago

Having said that, 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic is still the man to beat on the ATP tour. With him having won 3 out of 4 majors this year and Alcaraz bagging the remaining one, it’ll be interesting to see whether Rick Macci’s 2024 prediction of the Spaniard comes true or not.

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WATCH THIS STORY: He’s A Perfectionist’ – Days After Novak Djokovic’s Friendship Bomb On Roger Federer, Ex-Coach’s Blunt Revelation Shows Mysterious Similarities Between The Two Tennis Legends

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Written by:

Prithviraj Roy

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Prithviraj Roy is a tennis writer at EssentiallySports. With an academic background in Journalism & Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), he has more than 2 years of experience as a Content Writer. Prithviraj has been a die-hard fan of the 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal since his childhood years.
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Edited by:

Bhavani Singh