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Before switching to his competitive side on the court, Thanasi Kokkinakis gushed about Carlos Alcaraz. Kokkinakis will face the World No. 2 in the second round at Indian Wells on Saturday and expressed his excitement to face a player who is among his favorites to watch.
Kokkinakis believes Alcaraz's style of play is not just effective and without any weaknesses, but it is also very exciting to watch, be it as a fan or as a fellow player on tour. The Australian is a fan of the 'always smiling' Alcaraz for carrying 'almost contagious energy.'
The Spaniard, who is the top seed at Indian Wells this year in World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's absence, will face Kokkinakis in what is set to be his first match on a hard court this season. While Kokkinakis will aim to keep up his winning run through qualifying and stun the top seed on the court, he reserved the highest of praises for the 19-year-old speaking off the court.
"It’s not just that he’s (Carlos Alcaraz) got no weaknesses, but he just plays with great energy. He plays tennis the right way. He’s always up and about, he’s always smiling,” Thanasi Kokkinakis said of Alcaraz, as per ATPTour.com.
"I think the crowd loves watching him because his energy is almost contagious."
Kokkinakis also revealed that if he has time on his hands while Alcaraz is playing, he makes it a point to watch the Spaniard's matches each time.
"He’s one of my favourite players to watch. Whenever he’s playing, I try to tune in if I’ve got time," the World No. 94 added.
Meanwhile, Kokkinakis, who was part of one of the best matches of the season so far against Andy Murray at the Australian Open, has been in fine form of late. He reached the semifinals of Adelaide 2 before the Australian Open and later won the Manama ATP Challenger event.
Kokkinakis and Alcaraz are yet to face each other on tour.
"Hard to eclipse what those legends have done, but he’s definitely capable" - Thanasi Kokkinakis on Carlos Alcaraz
Thanasi Kokkinakis further highlighted the most lethal aspects of Carlos Alcaraz's game, calling attention to the reigning US Open champion's pace on the court and ability to control shots. Having said that, Kokkinakis truly believes that Alcaraz has the ability to become one of the greats of the sport, despite the massive challenge in front of the Next Gen to emulate the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
"I just like the way he (Carlos Alcaraz) plays. He’s got good firepower, he’s lightning quick, he’s got good hands. I saw it a few years ago just watching some highlights of him," Kokkinakis conveyed.
"It’s so hard to eclipse what those legends have done in our sports with how many Slams they’ve won, but he’s definitely capable and I think he’s got a shot if he stays healthy for sure," he stated.
While Alcaraz does not consider himself the favorite to win Indian Wells this year despite being the top seed, given his lack of match time on hard courts this year, he is highly motivated by the opportunity to regain the World No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz will surpass Djokovic as ATP No. 1 if he wins the title at Indian Wells.
