'We need Carlos Alcaraz more than anything.......' - Former world no. 1 lauds Spaniard after his French Open 2024 win

Former world number one Mats Wilander has heaped praises on French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz after his thrilling five-set victory over Alexander Zverev on June 9. Notably, the Spaniard rallied to win the Roland-Garros title and add it to his titles at the US Open and Wimbledon after losing 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

However, the former tennis star feels that it's likely that he could be known as the next Novak Djokovic in the next few years. Notably, the Spaniard claimed his maiden French Open title by winning the final two sets after trailing two sets to one in his return match against Alexander Zverev. The 21-year-old thrashed Zverev in five sets, 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, in his comeback match. Alcaraz now has the Roland-Garros title to go along with his Wimbledon and US Open wins.

His win in Roland-Garros is the third of his Grand Slam, and he did it on several different surfaces, all the while showing a remarkable mentality and exceptional confidence. Notably, Zverev won over him by controlling his aggression, especially with the win on his side.

We need Carlos Alcaraz more than anything in our sport right now: Mats Wilander

"I think Zverev became a little bit passive to be honest, I think he allowed Carlitos to play his game a little bit too much. But at the same time, we're looking at a multiple, multiple Grand Slam champion. This could be next Novak Djokovic for all we know. We need Carlos Alcaraz more than anything in our sport right now," said Mats Wilander.

"And I think for him to be relevant, I think he needs to keep winning maybe one major every year. If he does that, he’s gonna stay relevant and he’s gonna change our sport in many ways, the way that people look at tennis because he’s such a breath of fresh air. He’s smiling, he’s humble - his speech was great, so this is great for professional tennis. What you don’t see at home on TV is the wind, the wind on Phillipe Chatrier," he added further.