Carlos Alcaraz may not finish 2024 as the world’s No. 1, but according to renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the young Spaniard has accomplished something far more challenging. Mouratoglou, who has coached Naomi Osaka and other top players, believes Alcaraz has achieved one of tennis’s rarest feats this season—a triumph that stands as a testament to his versatility and resilience.

Sinner’s Rapid Ascent to Year-End No. 1

While Alcaraz’s consistency and skill kept him near the top all year, Jannik Sinner ultimately clinched the year-end No. 1 title, making him the fastest to do so since Novak Djokovic in 2015. Sinner’s season was remarkable, with victories in the Australian Open and French Open adding two Grand Slam titles to his resume. In addition to his ranking achievement, Sinner’s form has made him one of the toughest opponents for any player to face.

Alcaraz vs. Sinner: A Rivalry to Watch

Alcaraz, however, has been the one player to consistently challenge Sinner’s dominance in 2024, winning three consecutive matches against him, including a thrilling final at the China Open. Although Sinner snapped the streak with a victory in the Six Kings Slam exhibition final in Saudi Arabia, Alcaraz’s ATP head-to-head advantage remains, with the exhibition match not affecting their official record.

Sinner’s victory in Saudi Arabia came with a historic $6 million paycheck, a reminder of the ever-growing financial stakes in exhibition matches. Despite this, Sinner emphasized that money isn’t his motivation, focusing instead on honing his skills for upcoming challenges.

Mouratoglou’s Perspective: Alcaraz’s Greatest Achievement

For Mouratoglou, however, Alcaraz’s three-match winning streak over Sinner isn’t his most impressive accomplishment of the year. Instead, he points to the combination of Alcaraz’s French Open and Wimbledon titles as an extraordinary achievement. According to Mouratoglou, winning on both clay and grass back-to-back showcases a unique versatility that few players ever achieve.

Alcaraz captured his first French Open title and went on to win his second Wimbledon, overcoming Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Mouratoglou describes these consecutive victories as one of the hardest accomplishments in tennis, given the stark differences between the two surfaces. “What he did is probably the most difficult thing to do in tennis,” Mouratoglou told Tennis365. He explained that while Roland Garros requires skillful movement, sliding, and longer rallies on clay, Wimbledon demands an entirely different approach, with quick reactions, a low center of gravity, and the ability to counter big serves.

Mastering the Transition Between Clay and Grass

The transition from clay to grass is notoriously challenging, with only a few weeks between Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Mouratoglou emphasized that succeeding in both tournaments requires mental and physical adaptation, which Alcaraz displayed with remarkable poise. On clay, players rely on stability, heavy spins, and stamina, while grass courts demand agility, quick reflexes, and a more aggressive playing style. The success Alcaraz found in each, back-to-back, underscores his exceptional adaptability and depth as a player.

The Toll of Success: Alcaraz’s Mental Exhaustion

Following these monumental wins, Alcaraz continued competing through a demanding schedule, which included the Olympics shortly after his Grand Slam victories. Mouratoglou suggests that this rigorous lineup left Alcaraz mentally drained, impacting his performance as the season wore on. Competing at such a high level while under intense pressure can wear down even the strongest athletes, and Mouratoglou isn’t surprised Alcaraz showed signs of fatigue.

“He was exhausted, mentally exhausted,” Mouratoglou noted, attributing Alcaraz’s subsequent dip in form to emotional exhaustion. The coach explained that after two Grand Slam victories in close succession, Alcaraz had little time to rest before the Olympics and subsequent events, pushing him to his mental and physical limits. “If you’re not fresh mentally, it becomes harder and harder,” Mouratoglou added, underscoring the emotional toll top-tier tennis can take on even the most talented athletes.