Andrea Petkovic says Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t have plan B

Carlos Alcaraz is currently one of the best players on the tour but former player Andrea Petkovic believes the Spaniard doesn’t have plan B under his belt if plan A goes wrong on the court.

The former German player highlighted that the four-time Slam champion could look horrendous on the court if things don’t go his way. Alcaraz is currently at the number three position in the PIF ATP rankings and won two Slams – Roland Garros and Wimbledon – in 2024. 

“The one quibble I have with Carlos is what the others don’t have,” said Petkovic on Rennae Stubbs podcast. “Zverev doesn’t have [the issue], even Taylor [Fritz] doesn’t have, Jannik definitely doesn’t have, Novak [Djokovic] definitely doesn’t have. When Carlos is bad, he is f***ing horrendous.”

The German continued, “He doesn’t have a plan B – because you are still Carlos Alcaraz, who has won four Slams. But he then can’t make a ball anymore, he’s double-faulting, he’s missing, he doesn’t even get into a rally. So when Carlos is bad, he’s so bad. And at the highest level, he’s probably the best player.

Petkovic reckons Alcaraz can even lose to Jakub Mensik if he isn’t playing at his best.

“He was 3-0 against Jannik Sinner, who was the best player this season. At his low level, he can still lose to Jakub Mensik, and Jannik Sinner would not lose to Jakub Mensik probably.”

Meanwhile, Alcaraz will look to make a solid start in 2025. The Spaniard will aim to complete his Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open, the only Major trophy that is missing in his glittering cabinet.