Carlos Alcaraz has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch on the ATP Tour. His ability to turn defense into offense and control the court with his powerful shot combinations makes him a force to be reckoned with. But what exactly sets him apart from other players? Let’s break down the tactics behind three long points Alcaraz played at this year’s French Open to understand how he sets up his winning shots.

The Art of Constructing a Point

In tennis, it's not just about hitting one great shot—it's about constructing a point to force your opponent into a vulnerable position. Alcaraz excels at this, and his matches against top players like Alexander Zverev demonstrate his strategic prowess.

1. Positioning and Neutralizing

In the first point, Alcaraz returns Zverev’s serve to the middle of the court, keeping both players in a neutral position. They exchange several shots targeting each other’s backhands, with neither gaining a significant advantage early on. This neutral positioning is common in professional tennis and serves as a foundation for what’s to come.

When Zverev eventually changes the rally's direction by hitting his backhand up the line, Alcaraz quickly adjusts. Instead of just returning the ball, he smartly hits a crosscourt shot aimed more towards the middle, reducing the angles available to Zverev. This subtle change puts Alcaraz back in a strong position to dictate the next phase of the rally.

2. Turning Defense into Offense

As the rally progresses, Zverev seems to have the upper hand by attacking with depth. However, Alcaraz is quick to turn the tables. He defends by hitting a deep up-the-line shot that forces Zverev to retreat. When Zverev’s response lands shorter than intended, Alcaraz seizes the moment.

By stepping closer to the baseline and attacking with a powerful forehand to the open court, Alcaraz flips the point in his favor. This ability to switch from defense to offense within a single shot is one of his most effective weapons.

3. The Power of Combination Play

A common misconception is that Alcaraz relies solely on his raw power to hit winners. In reality, he works in combinations—using specific shot patterns to systematically dismantle his opponent's defenses. In the first point, after gaining the advantage with his forehand, he carefully controls the center of the court, forcing Zverev to the edges. When Zverev’s next shot lands short again, Alcaraz pounces, finishing the point with a perfectly placed shot behind his opponent.

In the second point, we see a similar pattern. After Zverev changes the rally's direction, Alcaraz runs down the ball and fires back a deep crosscourt forehand. This aggressive shot puts Zverev on the defensive, leaving him scrambling to recover. Alcaraz then takes advantage of Zverev's weaker return by stepping forward and setting up a drop shot—a play that catches Zverev completely off guard.

4. Creating Space with Shot Patterns

The third point showcases Alcaraz’s ability to create space on the court through smart shot selection. He starts by exchanging crosscourt backhands with Zverev, eventually changing direction by hitting his backhand up the line. This strategic move forces Zverev to cover more ground.

With Zverev on the run, Alcaraz steps in and cranks a forehand up the line, creating a significant distance between Zverev and the ball. This three-shot combination—crosscourt backhand, up-the-line backhand, and forehand winner—demonstrates Alcaraz’s ability to construct points methodically and exploit every inch of the court.

Conclusion: Mastering the Mental Game

What truly sets Carlos Alcaraz apart is not just his physical prowess but his mental acuity. His ability to read the game, anticipate his opponent's moves, and make split-second decisions allows him to maintain control of the rally. Alcaraz doesn’t simply go for the winner; he works the point, using a combination of shots to wear down his opponent and create opportunities.

If you want to elevate your tennis game, there’s a lot to learn from Alcaraz. Focus on building your points through strategic shot combinations and be mindful of when to transition from defense to offense. By incorporating these tactics into your play, you can gain a competitive edge on the court.

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