Paul defines how Alcaraz has changed from 2022 to now

When Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open in 2022, his then-coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, said that he was only at 60% of his potential. He may have even underestimated it, because the difference between the Carlitos of then and now is vast. Although it’s hard to believe, considering the level the Murcian had when he became the youngest number 1 in history, what he’s showing now is astonishing. What’s most frightening is that he is only 23 years old, so he will still grow a lot.

His opponent in the round of 16 for this 2026 edition, Tommy Paul, was asked in a press conference how Alcaraz has changed over the last four years, as he has faced Carlitos since the time the Spaniard began to emerge on the circuit. His response clearly explains how much this kid has progressed since then.

Paul's response on how Alcaraz has changed his tennis since 2022

"In the beginning, when he was still in the early stages of his career, you could play him a crosscourt sliced backhand and he would simply respond with another backhand. Now, if you play a crosscourt backhand slice, he moves and ends up hitting with his forehand. In fact, one of the things we talked about before the match was trying not to use the slice too much, because it practically becomes ineffective if you don’t get it very sliced and very crosscourt. If you don’t do it perfectly, he’s going to find a forehand and make you run. I think that’s one of the big differences. I also believe his return and second serve have improved a lot in the last two years. The second serve varies much more and makes it much harder to attack. Honestly, he has improved almost every aspect of his game."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Paul define cómo ha cambiado Alcaraz desde 2022 a ahora