Tennis is a gentleman’s sport. But every now and then, a player comes along who ruffles the feathers of tennis fans. It is one way to add a splash of color to an otherwise mundane routine. John Lloyd, the former British tennis player, thinks that the sport needs colorful players like Andre Agassi instead of Carlos Alcaraz.
Lllyod’s statement has sparked controversy. He, of course, bears no ill will towards the current world number one. It does, however, say a fair bit about Alcaraz’s personality.
Andre Agassi was a genius on the tennis court. But unlike Alcaraz, he was not meek in his off-court activities. Agassi was regularly spotted with female celebrities hanging off his arms.
The former world number one Agassi had a charming personality. He won eight Grand Slams in his career but did not shy away from socializing with the ladies. Lloyd thinks he was the perfect “crossover star” because some people did not like tennis but liked Agassi.
“Someone, I think who is going to win so many tournaments anyways is Carlos Alcaraz. But I can’t really see him going out to nightclubs with young ladies on his arm,” said Lloyd about Carlos (via Tennis Up To Date).
John also added, that the player closest to Agassi in terms of his personality, would be Nick Kyrgios. The Aussie star is in a relationship though.
Agassi retired in 2006 with eight Grand Slams while Carlos has won only two major titles. But he has a long career ahead of him. Kyrgios on the other hand, has no Grand Slam titles and is currently out due to an injury.
Carlos Alcaraz remains humble despite being compared to Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz found success early in his career. With success such as his, comes a great deal of wealth and fame. Alcaraz however, maintains that he is still just a normal guy.
When Carlos was asked about his celebrity life he said, “I still go to restaurants. I live normal. I’m a normal kid.” The only thing that has been added to an otherwise average guy’s routine is that fans ask for pictures.
Carlos Alcaraz: “I still go to restaurants. I live normal. I’m a normal kid. Obviously, people stop me a bit & ask for a picture. I stop, but I live normal.” pic.twitter.com/0aQbSlbCB3
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 3, 2023
Alcaraz is being touted as Rafael Nadal‘s successor in tennis. With both players hailing from Spain, it is not hard to believe that. But whether we can achieve or even surpass Nadal, remains to be seen.