Carlos Alcaraz is once again proving he’s the King of Grass, even outside of Wimbledon! With his red-hot form culminating in a second Queen’s Club title, the tennis world is buzzing. And two of the sport’s most influential voices – former coaches of Serena Williams and Coco Gauff – have stepped forward to give their unique perspectives on Alcaraz’s scorching run, sparking intriguing discussions just days before Wimbledon!
Carlos Alcaraz solidified his status as the man to beat at Wimbledon after a masterful performance at the Queen’s Club Championships, where he outlasted Jiří Lehečka in a thrilling final to claim his second title at the prestigious warm-up event. This victory marks his 21st tour-level trophy and highlights his seamless, almost unbelievable, transition from the clay of Roland Garros to the grass courts of London.
Leading the commentary on this electrifying form is Rennae Stubbs, a former coach for tennis icon Serena Williams. While Stubbs acknowledges Alcaraz’s undeniable brilliance as a singles player, her recent comments, particularly on a podcast, have focused on a surprising aspect: his mixed doubles potential. She recently expressed skepticism about Alcaraz’s chemistry with Emma Raducanu ahead of their planned mixed doubles pairing at the 2025 US Open, humorously likening his past doubles performances with Rafael Nadal to that of a “lost puppy.”
“I would argue that they [Emma and Carlos] are… and this is nothing against either of them, but from a doubles perspective, that’s the weakest pair,” Stubbs candidly shared. While this isn’t a direct critique of his singles dominance, it offers a fascinating layer to how even the sport’s top minds dissect a player’s all-around game. Her focus remains on Alcaraz’s incredible singles prowess, but her assessment of his doubles acumen shows the high bar set for a player of his caliber.
Meanwhile, from Coco Gauff’s former coaching corner, the legendary Brad Gilbert has consistently been one of Alcaraz’s biggest proponents. Gilbert, who guided Coco to her recent French Open title, has frequently praised Alcaraz’s dynamic play and tactical brilliance. He views Alcaraz’s “high note” – his ability to elevate his game to an almost unplayable level – as unique.
Just before Alcaraz’s Roland Garros triumph, Gilbert emphasized what makes the Spaniard so formidable: “He plays with such amazing variety, and you’re not sure when he’s going to bring it or what he’s going to do. But he’s had success against [Jannik] Sinner, so he comes in there with confidence.” This analysis holds true for his grass-court success, where Alcaraz’s adaptability and unpredictable shot-making are proving devastating.
The contrasting perspectives from these high-profile former coaches offer a rich tapestry of analysis on Alcaraz. Stubbs, ever the keen tactical eye, sees areas for growth in his doubles game, while Gilbert, a master motivator and strategist, highlights the singular genius of his singles artistry. As Alcaraz heads to Wimbledon aiming for a three-peat, the endorsements (and humorous critiques) from these esteemed coaches only amplify the excitement. It seems everyone in tennis royalty agrees: Carlos Alcaraz is appointment viewing, and his form is sending shivers down the spines of his rivals.
