The most acclaimed matches in recent times of tennis would be the Wimbledon finals against the world number 1 rising star, Carlos Alcaraz, and the reigning supreme world number 2, Novak Djokovic. The breathtaking showdown was a battle of physical and psychological prowess between dreams and conquests hinging on the outcome of this match for both the players.
After 5 very long sets, the high-spirited 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz took home his first Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam of his career. Questions, comments, and opinions came flooding in about how Charly was able to defeat the Serbinator himself. Recently the Austrian tennis coach, Günter Bresnik shares his unpopular theory about this.
Bresnik considers Alcaraz lucky to emerge amidst retirement of Tennis legends
The Austrian coach, Günter Bresnik is known to have worked with several top tennis players in the world such as Boris Becker, Gael Monfils, and even Dominic Thiem. His opinion on the match suggests that the Serbinator had let his guard down and he even comments, “I was surprised how carelessly Djokovic gave up the tie-break in round two. Novak didn’t play his best tennis throughout the match anyway.”
“I have the theory that the rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray drove him to top performances – of course that also applies to the others… I have always said that Djokovic will lose motivation once there is no more constant competition with Nadal and Federer and he has won 23 Grand Slam titles. Alcaraz, on the other hand, played freely and finds it easier against the older ones, because they are on the decline. The branches are high, but descending,” the coach further explains.
Not only does Bresnik say that Novak is losing his touch, but also comments on how Charly had to be lucky to have to take the stage as the Big Three are closing in on the end of their careers.
“I’m still convinced that Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and maybe Murray played better at their best than Alcaraz is doing today… He’s lucky enough to take the stage when the best of all time are thinking of retiring, or have already done so. The level in the top ten isn’t the best at the moment either, and he’s the only one in his age group,” said Bresnik.
Gunter is a great coach, but this is ridiculous. Novak won the Australian, French and steamrolled through the draw at Wimbledon until the final. Lose motivation, really is that what you call it? How much of a better year could Novak have?
— Ryan (@ryan2136789) July 25, 2023
Nonetheless, Carlos Alcaraz has shown his tennis brilliance and even had Novak Djokovic himself laud that he has never played a player like the 20-year-old Spaniard before. Fans were also very quick to respond to show that they have Charly’s back and challenged his “theory”.
The Big Three are now just two after Federer’s retirement
The past couple of decades had only been about the rise of the Big Three trio. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic rose and reestablished the standards of tennis.
In 2022, the Swiss Maestro Roger Federer decided to announce his retirement from the world of tennis. The King of Grass walked out of the court after an emotional farewell yet he continues to put smiles on his fans’ faces with his cameos on the tennis field. Since then, it has only been Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who have been scaring the next-generation opponents.
However, for the foreseeable future, Nole and Rafa will continue to fight.
What are your thoughts on Breskin’s theory? Do you think that Carlos Alcaraz’s rise was due to luck? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!
