The defining virtue of Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open: Grit more than charisma
When Carlos Alcaraz left the Australian Open last year, the disappointment of losing to a half-fit Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, after capitulating in the face of the Serb’s wily, disruptive tactics, was palpable. Twelve months have made a world of difference. As he defeated Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to become the youngest player in men’s tennis history to complete the career Grand Slam, traces of last year’s humbling have all but vanished. He possesses a whirring forehand, an elite return of serve, an incredible burst of athleticism and a deftness of touch and variety. Despite all those weapons, Alcaraz’s victorious, history-making run in Melbourne Park was proof that grit and determination have become just as synonymous with him as flash and exuberance. He swatted aside the massively popular home favourite, Alex de Minaur, in three clinical sets in the quarterfinals. He sealed a sensational, unlikely come-from-behind victory in five sets over Alexander Zverev in the semifinal. It saw him overcome a cramping body thanks to a steady diet of pickle juice and intense …
