His distinct success with this shot all comes down to his disguise, which is near perfect, and can be accredited in big part to his forehand grip, he keeps the frame very open and arm very straight when hitting those monstrous forehands, and with an already open grip its very easy to switch from extending through to pulling away and cutting it across, he's obviously spent a lot of time mastering his touch as well, I don't see many counters for his drop shot because of how he can switch so easily, and because of the devastation his forehand can inflict when he chooses to attack which forces opponents behind the baseline, I think Kygrios was using a very similar style with those drop shots before Alcaraz came to the scene, the massive forehand then drop-shot combo to disguise, the only different was Kyrgios needed to change grips and position of the frame to hit them, whereas Alcaraz doesn't, and I'd say Alcaraz touch is better, all and all this really is revolutionising tennis in the sense that players will feel they need to start implementing this style into their games to keep themselves competitive seeing the amount of success Alcaraz is having!
I was looking very closely if he changes his grip and it seems lile he does. I think the main thing is that he keeps his left hand on the racket long enough to change his grip just in time.
What's new with Alcaraz is that he is a full on power player and a master of the drop shot. Historically, many "power players" have seemed so pumped up on adrenaline that even the possibility of a delicate strategic shot seemed to elude them. Alcaraz seems to be leading the trend of using a creative combination of full on power & delicacy which for me is one of the things that makes his play so thrilling.
Never thought about it like that. Mentally it makes so much sense, if you're pounding away ground strokes, moving your opponent around, leading the point, the last thing you instinctively would do is to go for a calm, clinical drop shot. The natural flow is to hit a big winner, or a good approach shot and follow up with a volley to finish the point. His drop shots are so good that even if the opponent gets to it he can still win the point in most cases. Not sure if anyone has an answer for this kid.
Alcaraz's dropshot is incredible, but I think it's a true testament to his skill that everyone knows he can hit that dropshot whenever he wants, but his groundstrokes are so good that his opponents still choose to stay way back. This means his dropshots, while still devastating, don't always have to be perfect. It's about the doubt he leaves in players when he faces them. If you hit soft to Alcaraz at all, you're either going to get bludgeoned with a groundstroke or you're getting dropped. The tactics and the disguise at play here are just incredible, and the most terrifying part is that he's still got 10-15 years left to get better.
This is exactly it! He pins the opponent back, has keen awareness of where they are and can unleash the drop shot on all but the hardest hit balls. As you say, they don't have to be inch perfect dribblers to get the job done.
He also has the dropshot-lob combination. The lob was out of favor for a long time because overheads were so good. The lob is most useful when your opponent has to change momentum to go back or up for a lob.. With the dropshot, he has the options of the down the line passing,, the lob, and the cross-court passing.
Favorite part about this shot is he usually uses it in the tight and biggest moments. Switches up and gives opponents one more thing to think about during the tight moments when their minds are already usually overthinking and going a mile a minute. It's the contrast from his usual touch to power. Just such a dynamic style of play. Love watching Carlos and everything he's bringing now to the sport
@@marianagaoka9687 yeah that too for sure, his tennis IQ is high across board... he knows when they're out of position and when he can catch them off guard.
Yep it was part of the reason he best Djokovic. Djok couldn't be comfortable winning baseline exchange cause in back of his mind never knew when that drop shot was coming. On grass it works better than any surface cause the ball doesn't come up very much.
When I first saw how Carlos uses the dropshot as a weapon i thought "players are just too fit for that" long-term. Now he has revolutionized the shot as a weapon. Uncanny touch to go with dazzling power. When your drop shot is a winner against two greats, you know you're that good.
Raz, ever since Federer retired i didn't think I'd keep up with tennis. For a few months i didn't, but your content has kept me in the world of tennis and for that I'm grateful.
the new generation is going to fuel tennis and more talent... nadal is a consequence of fed, alcaraz of nadal and so the talent, effort and excellent players will be there . i m sure
@@diegobarreto8662 And Djokovic is a consequence of Federer and Nadal. Sinner is a consequence of Djokovic, and Riccardo Piatti perfected Sinner's game like Djokovic.
I love watching him play this shot. In the Wimbledon semi final this year against Medvedev he pulled off some amazing drop shots. My children were watching, and even they, who don't care much about tennis, were excited to see it. Anyone who plays tennis knows how incredibly difficult it is to get this shot right. It requires perfect control of the racket and real confidence.
After Indian Wells, Medvedev said Alcaraz hits harder than anyone in the tour right now. His drop shots are a beautiful change of pace. So fun to watch Carlos play.
What sets his technique apart is that long and smooth follow-through. So many players play a drop shot like a truncated swing, unconsciously associating the abrupt truncation with disguising the shot. But, of course, the trick is disguising your take-back, not chopping off the swing. His smooth follow-through also gives him access to more side spin and sets him up technically for that gorgeous “inside-out drop”-which isn’t a shot you see in a lot of player’s repertoire. But Alcaraz plays it like he has all the time in the world… like a smooth, full-length, slow-motion forehand slice that doesn’t need disguising once it’s set in motion (which, of course, it doesn’t… once the disguised take-back skips the drop phase and yields into a slice the cat is out of the bag anyhow). And even if it did telegraph it (which he doesn’t), I don’t even think he gives an F if his opponents reach it, because it’s so ruthlessly effective in forcing his opponents to play closer to the baseline than they are comfortable for the rest of the match. Plus, it’s also just so psychologically devastating because it obliterates the deep defensive position as a “safe/r space” on court, making even battle-hardened counterpunchers anxious. Just beautiful to watch.
I've read dozens of comments about his dropshot and no one mentioned most of this things before, props to you for putting into words why I appreciate his technique so much, its more than just forcing the rival back and hiding the shot
@@alvaronr7075 yeah just look at 0:24. See how far his hitting shoulder follows the ball (and how after the freeze frame the rest of his entire body follows, including his right foot and hip weight transfer)? How it’s one continuous smooth motion? Like he’s sending it off “like a little baby bird” (quoting a former coach of mine :) ). That’s the motion you want. 0:38 is another perfect example, as is the 0:52 slow-motion replay, where you can see clearly how his swing follows through and back up, rather than being a “chop and stop”. He really caresses the _underside_ of the ball.
Its so great to (finally) see a top pro using this type of old school finesse shot to win big points in tournaments. I will root for any player that mixes it up like this instead of the typical bludgeoning the ball from the baseline that the majority of players use all the time.
@@badboy0607 I dont think he expects anything, its just not his style standing on the base line. If he tries that, Alcaraz out hits him easy. But i agree, he has to try something, cause his usual style wont work against Alcaraz.
That is one advantage even an older Novak has over Medvedev…he played Federer in his prime so many time, so he knows all about the short slices, and the drop shots.
Isn't anyone going to talk about the TREMENDOUS confidence that he has in his game? Using dropshots in truly important points and moments of the match...
Carlos will win everything for the next Decade or so. Like a Panther about the Court, with very very good Racket control, those drop shots ? Outstanding tennis.
I think the beauty of this shot is tht he keeps it relatively low n puts so much spin on it tht he deadens the ball...it doesn't travel!!! Brilliant👍🏾👏🏾
Been on a tennis court myself for over 55 years and rarely watch the current tennis players. I'm sick of the baseline game. Just waiting for the opponent to make a mistake. A kind of trench warfare. Defend and just defend. Where have the attackers gone. This kid is a breath of fresh air for tennis with his unexpected strokes and drop shots.
At this time, he is world #1 because Wimbledon '22 points are not counting. Also, because certain real #1 was not allowed to play at the US open and other US tournaments. If only Wimbledon was accounted for, Carlos would be roughly 2000points back and "world #2".
@@misicv Alcaraz will be #1 many times again in the future don't you worry, this kid is still only 19 years old. Novak (nor even Federer or Nadal) had nowhere near his complete play at only 19.
My favorite tennis player. Thank God after Roger retired , we got lucky to get Carlos. He and Bublik are so much fun to watch. The combination of them is my style of teaching and play. I use reversed grips for drop shots so the brush goes around more half of the ball so depending on my wrist action (similar to pitching)I can make the ball come back to the net , die in the box or slide parallel the net on the other court. Who inspired me to change the continental grip to reversed grips /SW for Bh drop shot and Eastern BH for Fh grip drop shot , was Dolgopolov , the master of spins. I have a feeling that Carlos switches lightly the grip .
He does it more successfully because he hits so hard on other shots. It's the contrast that makes it work. Someone who doesn't hit as hard wouldn't have as much success on the drop shots... Not that his drop shots aren't great, just noting that they don't exist in a vacuum.
It's just like Kyrgios' underhand serves. It often works because his opponents are so far back in anticipation of a big first serve. Alcaraz's big forehand has a similar effect. It pins his opponent far back from the baseline and open up the court for his drop shot.
it is indefensible because he pushes you back on the baseline with his power and aggression. Truly special talent with so much intelligence at that age.. wild..
Don't forget that often, he also uses the dropshot as a bait, when the rival reaches it and shoot back, he often follows it with a lob right on the line.
In addition to his killer baseline forehand and drop shot contrast, his awareness of the position of his opponent in the middle of the fierce rally is just awesome .. he reads opponent in split second and use this lethal weapon promptly.. at the moment, I just can't see any answer to this challenge.. nobody has shown how to handle this.. It's something novel in tennis, and if not countered soon, Alcaraz will be like Michaelangelo of tennis, perfect combination of dedication innovation, and excellence
What is he innovating? There is nothing novel or special in what he's doing. He's an amazing all-court player, something the sport rarely produced in last few decades. If anything, he dabbles a little too often in passive-aggressive baseliner (PAB) tennis (6+ ball rallies), which allows the less talented PABs opportunities for success. He plays tennis as it should be played (employing all the shots and tactics). Had more players developed similarly over the last decades, we wouldn't be stuck with the two best PABs dominating a field of lesser PABs. Unfortunately, all-court technique and awareness require extra effort to develop and master, especially when slugging away from comfort of the baseline (or running down balls until a slugged groundstroke error occurs) can get one to the top of the game.
@@greenlampshade8909 I agree. it's all old school, getting your opponent away from the net and hitting the drop shot at the right time, and anticipating the lob if your opponent responds. What is really new is a player who does it with such perfection.
@@greenlampshade8909 Great players with the touch to make a perfect drop we always had a few. But use drop shot as a continue strategy is new. See, in the last game of Wimbly last Sunday, Carlos missed the first point with a bad drop. And in the second point he made another good drop to put 15-15. Two points consecutives. And i lost count in all the match.. Carlitos not only can make a perfect drop, he can hide until the last moment. Most of those drops have no answer at all from the opponents. The new here is, Drop never was a "good idea" in general. It was just a shot to do few times when situation was very clear, to change rithm of the opponent, to atract to the net, etc.. So what is new here and i agree with @mirzab6475, is that Carlos use the Drop as another weapon continuously. Drop is inside his strategy all the time and he can kill any player with it. His ability to do is awesome and yes, at the moment no one player cant read this strategy. I repeat, not only he can do great drops, he hide almost perfectly
The dropshot has been around since the beginning of tennis. Now that players camp out on the baseline it is just amazing that it took them so long to use it. They move great from side to side but not so great forward. Finally someone is taking them out of their comfort zone. Everyone will start using the drop shot a lot more. It has already started.
you're quire right. even Djoko or Nadal are not confortable to move forward. BUT, before all this, Alca, as Djoko, is in a constant seach of the length for his strikes, making the dropshop more efficient. finally, this guy .. have a hand. i mean , i spent 15 years crying obout the ridiculous quality of Nadal drop shots where the second bound is not event in the service square. there ... hi hi hiiii let's enjoy :)
He has revolutionize drop shot single handedly. He is not even afraid to use it on clay courts. Now-a-days all the players are trying it. RF also had great control in drop shots, but he never used it frequently.
This dude is 100% the next tennis superstar he will be the new benchmark if he can overhaul novak in majors (which is doable) he is an outstanding talent 😮
As a Kei fan I find Alcaraz's dropshots to be quite similar to that of Nishikori: perfect disguise and timing. But honestly Alcaraz has masterclass precision on top of that which Kei couldn't achieve, and I think everyone can agree that he is the undisputed GOAT in drops
not only hiding the dropshot, but also hiding where it's gonna go left/right. some players managed to see the drop shot early enough to probably get it but started running to the wrong side of the net and when it goes to the other side it''s too late to redirect that momentum in the right direction. I'm pretty sure other players/caches are going to study his patterns. I think its a welcome addition to modern tennis huge baseline shots, defensive positions very far from the baseline and occasional finishing the points at the net. Literally adding another dimension...
he'll put you off wide and just when his opponent thinks he'll go cross-court with a hard strike, he'll drop it off opposite where his opponent thinks the ball would go! In my decades of watching tennis, I've never seen a player make so many drop shots and actually be a part of their arsenal.
Incredible! Alcaraz is a Master at disguising it. No matter the excellent physical shape of his opponent with the spin and shallowness of the drop shot no matter the physical fitness of his opponent, and by some miracle making a return, there's the exposure of an open court.
Just for comparison's sake, Federer's drop shots were a thing of beauty, but if I'm not mistaken, they weren't as constructed as Carlos's, he sends you to the back of the court with a massive forhand, and then destroys you with his signature shot, what a treat to watch, it must be so devastating to be on the other side of the net when he decides to use it...
Federer had the ability to drop shot on a 130 MPH serve and also when he did his drop shots he could do them when the opponent was close to the net but still be effective because he could make them spin almost ninety degrees to either side. Both Alcaraz and Federer have/had great drop shots but use them differently.
@@ramjetrth That's true, but federer didn't use it to the effect that Carlos does. And yup fedex didn't need it. He had too much variations in his game and drop shot was just one of them and not the key factor.
Remember back in the 90's and 00's when it was nothing but power shots from the baseline? SOOO glad that started to change and now we have this master of the drop shot.
He makes great players look foolish with this shot. As others have said, it's his ability to alternate between unprecedented power and deft touch that makes this shot such a killer. The opponent doesn't know whether to be on the back foot or the front foot and that uncertainty is what's deadly.
@@samuelluria4744 Sure Becker revolutionized the power game in his time....a little hard to compare across eras with different rackets, strings, etc. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone push players back so far in the court trying to deal with the power as I have with Alcaraz, eg, especially Medvedev. You think Becker hit harder than Carlitos?
He has a lot of confidence in that shot and it has given him good results. The summary is very good, he has executed that shot with the best players and the result has been positive
El ha dicho que ese tiro lo tiene asumido desde pequeño y que no lo puede evitar, es como una droga y cuando ve el momento oportuno lo suelta, se lo pide el cuerpo.
I think Alcaraz's game is a perfect exploitation of how a lot of modern tennis is dictated at the baseline. There are many fantastic players on the tour at the moment but there aren't many that seem truly comfortable at the net. Tennis has always evolved and moved with the times, whether that be with court conditions, balls, racket technology and trailblazers. You need to be an excellent all court player that can dictate at the baseline and at the net to beat Alcaraz at his current best, and there aren't many of those around at the moment. Could we start seeing them in response to Alcaraz?
Definitely exciting tennis. After Federer started declining, I stopped watching tennis as it was for the most part baseline grinding and power tennis. Carlos has brought back the art, the touch, in addition to power and speed. Gets baseliners out of their comfort. Started watching tennis and I am sure I am not the only one. Vamos!
W O W In nearly fifty years of watching tennis I've not seen a drop shot as lethal as that. First, the disguise and then unlike anyone else he doesn't bring the racket face down against the ball at speed to get back spin and YET it just dies over the net. Ridiculously good. Quite happy for him to be the future rival of Medvedev at the top when the Big Two go.
This Alcaraz proficiency will bring new life to servis volley tennis again and in general to more different variety of playstyles. I am Nole fan, but this excellency will bring to tennis more entertaining stuff to counter such play.. or if not ,Alcaras will beat everybody as a drum for next 20 years...
His full force forehand and forehand dropshot motion is almost identical almost until the end of the shot. He's a master of disguise. The opponent should have a really sharp eye to distinguish that.
Incredible shot that can be devastating to an opponent. He kind of has brought it back. So much so that since Indian Wells I have seen Sinner & Medvedev using it more.
Alcaraz's drop shot is fantastic. The rare time someone gets to it successfully (as Sinner, Djokovic, etc. have done sometimes), the ability to lob over their head is paralyzing. Combining these shots with all the other weapons is why Alcaraz became the youngest world number 1 and is at #1 for 31 weeks and counting..
he has fantastic racket control, not just with the drop shot. he can look completely out of position to make a stroke, but stretches out and flicks his wrist for a shot down the line or for a sharp cross court winner, or perfect lob. i couldn't remember a player with this much quick touch except perhaps McEnroe at his best. no matter how off balance , he contrives to fire back with great precision. sometimes the opponent must be demoralized, as positions that have been won tactically turn into lost points.
One thing I've noticed in this video is Nadal and Djokovic try to reach the ball more often even when it is close to impossible. Other players give up without even trying. The reason why they are 2 of the big 3.
The title is quite an overstatement. But because I think that since Federer no one had been able to put together such a convincing offensive game, I will be content with that👍
It’s an awesome shot in an era where players are playing back in what traditionally was a defensive position on the court. With modern swings, strings and rackets, players have been successful staying well behind the baseline. This type of drop shot will have a huge impact as it will force a player forward into what may be for them a more uncomfortable court position. The 3 in a row against Medvedev is an example of a tall player who is refusing to move forward as he will have to play balls from a much lower bounce position, as well as on the rise. Everyone on tour should take notice and develop this shot, as more forward court positions will make it more interesting rallys for fans.
As a tennis coach I have noticed that Alcaraz does a little 'hop' before executing a forehand drop-shot. I wonder when the pros are going to pick that signal up ?
The dropper has been around forever, with practitioners using it primarily off of the backhand side. That said, with all the power in modern racquets and bite of modern strings, having someone who can slam it off the court or use massive topspin to push you back, then employing the Alcaraz forehand dropper makes it almost impossible to get to.
Djokovic has a good drop shot, Murray and some other top players. But what makes Alcaraz's so unique and deadly is that instant reflex and disguise. You know if he's going to go for a heavy inside our forehand OR if he's going to pull that drop shot right after. He can hurt you with both power and finesse. It makes it difficult to play him in the rallies. Not many players can switch like that. Most of the time they mess the drop shot up when they try to fake opponents out from a forehand tease.
Great collection of dropshots Raz. You'll have to add some of the 10 or more that he executed to perfection today during the Barcelona Final against Tsitsipas
Yes, its probably the best forehand drop shot of all time. At the moment Alcaraz and Djokovic have implemented drop shots at the highest level. Djokovic mostly with the backhand and Alcaraz with the forehand. But Alcaraz more and more implements the backhand dropshot also. Because he has top 3 most powerfull and precise groundstrokes, he forces his opponents to react one way or the other, which makes the dropshot even more powerfull. There is absolutely nothing you can do against this dropshot as an opponent when he is in shape. If you react to early and run forward he will just go for the winner left or right instead of the dropshot. And you, as an opponent will look silly running forward.
His distinct success with this shot all comes down to his disguise, which is near perfect, and can be accredited in big part to his forehand grip, he keeps the frame very open and arm very straight when hitting those monstrous forehands, and with an already open grip its very easy to switch from extending through to pulling away and cutting it across, he's obviously spent a lot of time mastering his touch as well, I don't see many counters for his drop shot because of how he can switch so easily, and because of the devastation his forehand can inflict when he chooses to attack which forces opponents behind the baseline, I think Kygrios was using a very similar style with those drop shots before Alcaraz came to the scene, the massive forehand then drop-shot combo to disguise, the only different was Kyrgios needed to change grips and position of the frame to hit them, whereas Alcaraz doesn't, and I'd say Alcaraz touch is better, all and all this really is revolutionising tennis in the sense that players will feel they need to start implementing this style into their games to keep themselves competitive seeing the amount of success Alcaraz is having!
Great comment
Great analysis speaking absolute facts
Well said!
I’ve been playing futures and the aspiring pros have no clue how to use the forehand drop shot (yet)
I was looking very closely if he changes his grip and it seems lile he does. I think the main thing is that he keeps his left hand on the racket long enough to change his grip just in time.
What's new with Alcaraz is that he is a full on power player and a master of the drop shot. Historically, many "power players" have seemed so pumped up on adrenaline that even the possibility of a delicate strategic shot seemed to elude them. Alcaraz seems to be leading the trend of using a creative combination of full on power & delicacy which for me is one of the things that makes his play so thrilling.
Never thought about it like that. Mentally it makes so much sense, if you're pounding away ground strokes, moving your opponent around, leading the point, the last thing you instinctively would do is to go for a calm, clinical drop shot. The natural flow is to hit a big winner, or a good approach shot and follow up with a volley to finish the point. His drop shots are so good that even if the opponent gets to it he can still win the point in most cases. Not sure if anyone has an answer for this kid.
Both Agassi and Federer used the drop shot and both of them were power hitters.
Alcaraz's dropshot is incredible, but I think it's a true testament to his skill that everyone knows he can hit that dropshot whenever he wants, but his groundstrokes are so good that his opponents still choose to stay way back. This means his dropshots, while still devastating, don't always have to be perfect. It's about the doubt he leaves in players when he faces them. If you hit soft to Alcaraz at all, you're either going to get bludgeoned with a groundstroke or you're getting dropped. The tactics and the disguise at play here are just incredible, and the most terrifying part is that he's still got 10-15 years left to get better.
Thats the thing, opponents habe to stay back because he has a killer forehand, that really leaves the door open for a dropshot.
This is exactly it! He pins the opponent back, has keen awareness of where they are and can unleash the drop shot on all but the hardest hit balls. As you say, they don't have to be inch perfect dribblers to get the job done.
Well, u just got it right! Yeah! Just like Alcaraz. 🎉
Pray God for him to be healthy without injures
He also has the dropshot-lob combination. The lob was out of favor for a long time because overheads were so good. The lob is most useful when your opponent has to change momentum to go back or up for a lob.. With the dropshot, he has the options of the down the line passing,, the lob, and the cross-court passing.
Favorite part about this shot is he usually uses it in the tight and biggest moments. Switches up and gives opponents one more thing to think about during the tight moments when their minds are already usually overthinking and going a mile a minute. It's the contrast from his usual touch to power. Just such a dynamic style of play. Love watching Carlos and everything he's bringing now to the sport
yup, he knows they are way behind baseline
@@marianagaoka9687 yeah that too for sure, his tennis IQ is high across board... he knows when they're out of position and when he can catch them off guard.
Yep it was part of the reason he best Djokovic. Djok couldn't be comfortable winning baseline exchange cause in back of his mind never knew when that drop shot was coming. On grass it works better than any surface cause the ball doesn't come up very much.
When I first saw how Carlos uses the dropshot as a weapon i thought "players are just too fit for that" long-term. Now he has revolutionized the shot as a weapon. Uncanny touch to go with dazzling power. When your drop shot is a winner against two greats, you know you're that good.
Yeah! √ that last sentence was perfect like Alkz drop shot! 😂
Djokovic is an expert reaching drop-shots and courterattacking with another drop-shop, but Alcaraz's is too good for him, too.
@@marianagaoka9687 and djokovic still winning more GS 3-1 looks like drop shots not helping.
Raz, ever since Federer retired i didn't think I'd keep up with tennis. For a few months i didn't, but your content has kept me in the world of tennis and for that I'm grateful.
🙏🙏🙏
the new generation is going to fuel tennis and more talent... nadal is a consequence of fed, alcaraz of nadal and so the talent, effort and excellent players will be there . i m sure
@@diegobarreto8662 And Djokovic is a consequence of Federer and Nadal. Sinner is a consequence of Djokovic, and Riccardo Piatti perfected Sinner's game like Djokovic.
Carlos could have played any sport as he is such an athletic beast. Thank you to Carlos to making tennis beautiful and exciting again!
I love watching him play this shot. In the Wimbledon semi final this year against Medvedev he pulled off some amazing drop shots. My children were watching, and even they, who don't care much about tennis, were excited to see it.
Anyone who plays tennis knows how incredibly difficult it is to get this shot right. It requires perfect control of the racket and real confidence.
After Indian Wells, Medvedev said Alcaraz hits harder than anyone in the tour right now. His drop shots are a beautiful change of pace. So fun to watch Carlos play.
What sets his technique apart is that long and smooth follow-through. So many players play a drop shot like a truncated swing, unconsciously associating the abrupt truncation with disguising the shot. But, of course, the trick is disguising your take-back, not chopping off the swing.
His smooth follow-through also gives him access to more side spin and sets him up technically for that gorgeous “inside-out drop”-which isn’t a shot you see in a lot of player’s repertoire.
But Alcaraz plays it like he has all the time in the world… like a smooth, full-length, slow-motion forehand slice that doesn’t need disguising once it’s set in motion (which, of course, it doesn’t… once the disguised take-back skips the drop phase and yields into a slice the cat is out of the bag anyhow).
And even if it did telegraph it (which he doesn’t), I don’t even think he gives an F if his opponents reach it, because it’s so ruthlessly effective in forcing his opponents to play closer to the baseline than they are comfortable for the rest of the match.
Plus, it’s also just so psychologically devastating because it obliterates the deep defensive position as a “safe/r space” on court, making even battle-hardened counterpunchers anxious.
Just beautiful to watch.
Shit you just defined my problem with drop shots! I will just always stop my follow trough like a clown. Ill give that a try sir
I've read dozens of comments about his dropshot and no one mentioned most of this things before, props to you for putting into words why I appreciate his technique so much, its more than just forcing the rival back and hiding the shot
@@alvaronr7075 yeah just look at 0:24. See how far his hitting shoulder follows the ball (and how after the freeze frame the rest of his entire body follows, including his right foot and hip weight transfer)? How it’s one continuous smooth motion? Like he’s sending it off “like a little baby bird” (quoting a former coach of mine :) ). That’s the motion you want.
0:38 is another perfect example, as is the 0:52 slow-motion replay, where you can see clearly how his swing follows through and back up, rather than being a “chop and stop”. He really caresses the _underside_ of the ball.
Its so great to (finally) see a top pro using this type of old school finesse shot to win big points in tournaments. I will root for any player that mixes it up like this instead of the typical bludgeoning the ball from the baseline that the majority of players use all the time.
He was killing Medvedev with this one
Well if Medvedev waits for the return nearer to the crowd what does he expect.
@@badboy0607 I dont think he expects anything, its just not his style standing on the base line. If he tries that, Alcaraz out hits him easy. But i agree, he has to try something, cause his usual style wont work against Alcaraz.
I think any opponent of Alcaraz will have to adapt to his style of play if they want to try and beat him.
That is one advantage even an older Novak has over Medvedev…he played Federer in his prime so many time, so he knows all about the short slices, and the drop shots.
Everybody knows Medvedev is slow to run (to the net). Alcaraz used it to his advantage.
Isn't anyone going to talk about the TREMENDOUS confidence that he has in his game? Using dropshots in truly important points and moments of the match...
Sure, talk about it...
Carlos will win everything for the next Decade or so. Like a Panther about the Court, with very very good Racket control, those drop shots ? Outstanding tennis.
I think the beauty of this shot is tht he keeps it relatively low n puts so much spin on it tht he deadens the ball...it doesn't travel!!! Brilliant👍🏾👏🏾
Been on a tennis court myself for over 55 years and rarely watch the current tennis players. I'm sick of the baseline game. Just waiting for the opponent to make a mistake. A kind of trench warfare. Defend and just defend. Where have the attackers gone. This kid is a breath of fresh air for tennis with his unexpected strokes and drop shots.
He is world #1 because of that overall game and style, and that drop shot is the cheery on top.
At this time, he is world #1 because Wimbledon '22 points are not counting. Also, because certain real #1 was not allowed to play at the US open and other US tournaments. If only Wimbledon was accounted for, Carlos would be roughly 2000points back and "world #2".
@@misicv Alcaraz will be #1 many times again in the future don't you worry, this kid is still only 19 years old. Novak (nor even Federer or Nadal) had nowhere near his complete play at only 19.
@@mireafelder8194he's 21
Best drop shot I've ever seen in more than 20 years watching tennis.
And is not just the quality of the shot, but how often he uses it.
My favorite tennis player. Thank God after Roger retired , we got lucky to get Carlos. He and Bublik are so much fun to watch. The combination of them is my style of teaching and play. I use reversed grips for drop shots so the brush goes around more half of the ball so depending on my wrist action (similar to pitching)I can make the ball come back to the net , die in the box or slide parallel the net on the other court. Who inspired me to change the continental grip to reversed grips /SW for Bh drop shot and Eastern BH for Fh grip drop shot , was Dolgopolov , the master of spins. I have a feeling that Carlos switches lightly the grip .
What's even crazier is that this compilation is only highlights from just a 1 year span
It is ridiculous
What's crazier is more than 50% are from 2023 itself
He does it more successfully because he hits so hard on other shots. It's the contrast that makes it work. Someone who doesn't hit as hard wouldn't have as much success on the drop shots... Not that his drop shots aren't great, just noting that they don't exist in a vacuum.
Ball is bouncing so many times before reaching service line, so his drop shots are not successful just because of hard hitting on other shots.
That argument doesn't make much sense when you know he does dropshot almost every game you are much ready for it. It speaks well for alcaraz anyway
It's just like Kyrgios' underhand serves. It often works because his opponents are so far back in anticipation of a big first serve. Alcaraz's big forehand has a similar effect. It pins his opponent far back from the baseline and open up the court for his drop shot.
Exactly! Agreed 100%. The word revolutionary is used too easily.
best forehand drop shots ever
it is indefensible because he pushes you back on the baseline with his power and aggression. Truly special talent with so much intelligence at that age.. wild..
He uses the drop shot at the perfect moment, when he’s playing chess and they’re playing Connect 4. 😂😂😂
Don't forget that often, he also uses the dropshot as a bait, when the rival reaches it and shoot back, he often follows it with a lob right on the line.
Some of the best tennis I have ever seen right there.......
Thanks for putting those 3 drops shots in a row against Meddy. Killer!
In addition to his killer baseline forehand and drop shot contrast, his awareness of the position of his opponent in the middle of the fierce rally is just awesome .. he reads opponent in split second and use this lethal weapon promptly.. at the moment, I just can't see any answer to this challenge.. nobody has shown how to handle this.. It's something novel in tennis, and if not countered soon, Alcaraz will be like Michaelangelo of tennis, perfect combination of dedication innovation, and excellence
What is he innovating? There is nothing novel or special in what he's doing. He's an amazing all-court player, something the sport rarely produced in last few decades. If anything, he dabbles a little too often in passive-aggressive baseliner (PAB) tennis (6+ ball rallies), which allows the less talented PABs opportunities for success.
He plays tennis as it should be played (employing all the shots and tactics). Had more players developed similarly over the last decades, we wouldn't be stuck with the two best PABs dominating a field of lesser PABs. Unfortunately, all-court technique and awareness require extra effort to develop and master, especially when slugging away from comfort of the baseline (or running down balls until a slugged groundstroke error occurs) can get one to the top of the game.
@@greenlampshade8909 I agree. it's all old school, getting your opponent away from the net and hitting the drop shot at the right time, and anticipating the lob if your opponent responds. What is really new is a player who does it with such perfection.
@@greenlampshade8909 Great players with the touch to make a perfect drop we always had a few. But use drop shot as a continue strategy is new.
See, in the last game of Wimbly last Sunday, Carlos missed the first point with a bad drop. And in the second point he made another good drop to put 15-15. Two points consecutives. And i lost count in all the match..
Carlitos not only can make a perfect drop, he can hide until the last moment. Most of those drops have no answer at all from the opponents.
The new here is, Drop never was a "good idea" in general. It was just a shot to do few times when situation was very clear, to change rithm of the opponent, to atract to the net, etc..
So what is new here and i agree with @mirzab6475, is that Carlos use the Drop as another weapon continuously. Drop is inside his strategy all the time and he can kill any player with it.
His ability to do is awesome and yes, at the moment no one player cant read this strategy. I repeat, not only he can do great drops, he hide almost perfectly
Well, let's put it this way... Noone was gonna stop Michaelangelo from being Michaelangelo.
@@dunningkruger5823 looks like with all that hype he was lucky to take one GS from 36 years old GOAT 3-1. Needs more than drop shot.
so good to see this future dominant player doing so well at Wimbledon '23 with his power but his beautiful finesse. A star is born.
The dropshot has been around since the beginning of tennis. Now that players camp out on the baseline it is just amazing that it took them so long to use it. They move great from side to side but not so great forward. Finally someone is taking them out of their comfort zone. Everyone will start using the drop shot a lot more. It has already started.
you're quire right. even Djoko or Nadal are not confortable to move forward. BUT, before all this, Alca, as Djoko, is in a constant seach of the length for his strikes, making the dropshop more efficient.
finally, this guy .. have a hand. i mean , i spent 15 years crying obout the ridiculous quality of Nadal drop shots where the second bound is not event in the service square.
there ... hi hi hiiii
let's enjoy :)
Great to see agressive tennis prevailing
What makes the shot even harder and nearly impossible to get there in time is Alcaraz has directs it to the sides
Lol the way fognini walks away😂😂
This is tennis. Well done man’
EXCELLENT 👌👌👌...
Great control over the ball... particularly in controlled drop shots...he has mastered it par excellence...
👌👌👌
I can watch this lad all day. Mesmerising ❤
I've wondered for years why players don't utilize the drop shot more when opponents stand so far back. Love seeing this!
I play a BUNCH of drop shots in our Saturday group. Love 'em!
He has revolutionize drop shot single handedly. He is not even afraid to use it on clay courts. Now-a-days all the players are trying it. RF also had great control in drop shots, but he never used it frequently.
The serve and drop shot. A new kind of 1-2 punch in tennis.
This dude is 100% the next tennis superstar he will be the new benchmark if he can overhaul novak in majors (which is doable) he is an outstanding talent 😮
Till date I thought Djokovic's drop shot was the best but alcaraz's drop shot is DELICIOUS!!!
As a Kei fan I find Alcaraz's dropshots to be quite similar to that of Nishikori: perfect disguise and timing. But honestly Alcaraz has masterclass precision on top of that which Kei couldn't achieve, and I think everyone can agree that he is the undisputed GOAT in drops
En mis 36 años que tengo... Jamas habia visto una derecha tan potente...y unas dejadas tan perfectas.....gracias Carlitos
the huge variety in alcaraz´s game provoques in the opponent the constant sensation of uncertainty and doubt...
what its gonna be next.... and now(?). It must be exhausting
not only hiding the dropshot, but also hiding where it's gonna go left/right. some players managed to see the drop shot early enough to probably get it but started running to the wrong side of the net and when it goes to the other side it''s too late to redirect that momentum in the right direction. I'm pretty sure other players/caches are going to study his patterns.
I think its a welcome addition to modern tennis huge baseline shots, defensive positions very far from the baseline and occasional finishing the points at the net. Literally adding another dimension...
Pheraps the best drop shot in the tenis history.
Correct . Best drop shot ever. 😊❤
Also helps that he can hit the ball so damn hard, add to that deception, what a weapon he has, great to see
he'll put you off wide and just when his opponent thinks he'll go cross-court with a hard strike, he'll drop it off opposite where his opponent thinks the ball would go! In my decades of watching tennis, I've never seen a player make so many drop shots and actually be a part of their arsenal.
Incredible! Alcaraz is a Master at disguising it. No matter the excellent physical shape of his opponent with the spin and shallowness of the drop shot no matter the physical fitness of his opponent, and by some miracle making a return, there's the exposure of an open court.
Just for comparison's sake, Federer's drop shots were a thing of beauty, but if I'm not mistaken, they weren't as constructed as Carlos's, he sends you to the back of the court with a massive forhand, and then destroys you with his signature shot, what a treat to watch, it must be so devastating to be on the other side of the net when he decides to use it...
Federer had the ability to drop shot on a 130 MPH serve and also when he did his drop shots he could do them when the opponent was close to the net but still be effective because he could make them spin almost ninety degrees to either side. Both Alcaraz and Federer have/had great drop shots but use them differently.
@@ramjetrth That's true, but federer didn't use it to the effect that Carlos does. And yup fedex didn't need it. He had too much variations in his game and drop shot was just one of them and not the key factor.
Really well put. Federer's seemed less planned, maybe more opportunistic,
@@MrUtoobee¹.
First step is Have the opponent respect your forehand.
the new name of the tennis: Carlos Alcaraz
Converted Federer fan here. Hitting all those clean winners with a drop shot has to make Carlos's life a lot easier. Brilliant player!
😎👍
Remember back in the 90's and 00's when it was nothing but power shots from the baseline? SOOO glad that started to change and now we have this master of the drop shot.
He makes great players look foolish with this shot. As others have said, it's his ability to alternate between unprecedented power and deft touch that makes this shot such a killer. The opponent doesn't know whether to be on the back foot or the front foot and that uncertainty is what's deadly.
Did you say "unprecedented power"? Come on, man...
@@samuelluria4744 Tsitsipas said he had never played anyone with that much power on the ground.
@@davidabheeru2012 - I hear you...not Boris Becker?
@@davidabheeru2012 - That's all well and good; He didn't play against Boris Becker, then...c'mon MANNN!!!
@@samuelluria4744 Sure Becker revolutionized the power game in his time....a little hard to compare across eras with different rackets, strings, etc. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone push players back so far in the court trying to deal with the power as I have with Alcaraz, eg, especially Medvedev. You think Becker hit harder than Carlitos?
He has a lot of confidence in that shot and it has given him good results. The summary is very good, he has executed that shot with the best players and the result has been positive
El ha dicho que ese tiro lo tiene asumido desde pequeño y que no lo puede evitar, es como una droga y cuando ve el momento oportuno lo suelta, se lo pide el cuerpo.
Tennis really is a game for the lifetime, thank you so much to help me improve my tennis.
I think Alcaraz's game is a perfect exploitation of how a lot of modern tennis is dictated at the baseline. There are many fantastic players on the tour at the moment but there aren't many that seem truly comfortable at the net. Tennis has always evolved and moved with the times, whether that be with court conditions, balls, racket technology and trailblazers. You need to be an excellent all court player that can dictate at the baseline and at the net to beat Alcaraz at his current best, and there aren't many of those around at the moment. Could we start seeing them in response to Alcaraz?
Greatest athlete ever potential...so complete yet so young. Ridiculous player.
His forehand is so big pushing the opponent so far back. Makes his drop shot so deadly
New GOAT has arrived ❤
Definitely exciting tennis. After Federer started declining, I stopped watching tennis as it was for the most part baseline grinding and power tennis. Carlos has brought back the art, the touch, in addition to power and speed. Gets baseliners out of their comfort. Started watching tennis and I am sure I am not the only one. Vamos!
Power and finesse - an unbeatable combo.
Ferrero used this disguised dropshot to win the 2003 Roland Garros, being Alcaraz's coach, he must have convinced him to use it now
No,Ferrero told him to use the drop shot less often in the match,before Alcaraz did much more drop shots
W O W
In nearly fifty years of watching tennis I've not seen a drop shot as lethal as that. First, the disguise and then unlike anyone else he doesn't bring the racket face down against the ball at speed to get back spin and YET it just dies over the net. Ridiculously good.
Quite happy for him to be the future rival of Medvedev at the top when the Big Two go.
not gonna lie. i hope alcaraz will keep improving and take over tennis. whatever shots it is. im sure he already have the mental game.
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counters the baseline meta and produces some of the most beautiful tennis in recent years.
This Alcaraz proficiency will bring new life to servis volley tennis again and in general to more different variety of playstyles. I am Nole fan, but this excellency will bring to tennis more entertaining stuff to counter such play.. or if not ,Alcaras will beat everybody as a drum for next 20 years...
The best dropshot on tour right now
He is also one of the best volleyers.
His full force forehand and forehand dropshot motion is almost identical almost until the end of the shot. He's a master of disguise. The opponent should have a really sharp eye to distinguish that.
And don't forget his huge but very controlled lob when his opponent comes the net - he threatens them both ways with these two shots
Incredible shot that can be devastating to an opponent. He kind of has brought it back. So much so that since Indian Wells I have seen Sinner & Medvedev using it more.
soul crushing shots
Thanks for the great video!
Alcaraz's drop shot is fantastic. The rare time someone gets to it successfully (as Sinner, Djokovic, etc. have done sometimes), the ability to lob over their head is paralyzing. Combining these shots with all the other weapons is why Alcaraz became the youngest world number 1 and is at #1 for 31 weeks and counting..
he has fantastic racket control, not just with the drop shot. he can look completely out of position
to make a stroke, but stretches out and flicks his wrist for a shot down the line or for a sharp cross court winner, or perfect lob. i couldn't remember a player with this much quick touch except perhaps McEnroe at his best. no matter how off balance , he contrives to fire back with great precision. sometimes the opponent must be demoralized, as positions that have been won tactically turn into lost points.
That drop shots!!!!!😮😮
One thing I've noticed in this video is Nadal and Djokovic try to reach the ball more often even when it is close to impossible. Other players give up without even trying. The reason why they are 2 of the big 3.
The title is quite an overstatement. But because I think that since Federer no one had been able to put together such a convincing offensive game, I will be content with that👍
It’s an awesome shot in an era where players are playing back in what traditionally was a defensive position on the court. With modern swings, strings and rackets, players have been successful staying well behind the baseline. This type of drop shot will have a huge impact as it will force a player forward into what may be for them a more uncomfortable court position.
The 3 in a row against Medvedev is an example of a tall player who is refusing to move forward as he will have to play balls from a much lower bounce position, as well as on the rise. Everyone on tour should take notice and develop this shot, as more forward court positions will make it more interesting rallys for fans.
Alcaraz: "What's the matter, Rafa? I thought you were fast 🤣😂"
Worthy lad to succeed Djokovic and Fedal and give tennis new level in following years.
Great technique and follow through with the raquet.
Those drop shots are so effective that it almost seems illegal...
As a tennis coach I have noticed that Alcaraz does a little 'hop' before executing a forehand drop-shot. I wonder when the pros are going to pick that signal up ?
The disguise is so good. Not forgetting the thunderous forehand. Over commit in either and you are burnt 🔥
I haven't followed tennis in over a decade, maybe I'm wrong, but he's very surgical like I remember Federer was.
The dropper has been around forever, with practitioners using it primarily off of the backhand side. That said, with all the power in modern racquets and bite of modern strings, having someone who can slam it off the court or use massive topspin to push you back, then employing the Alcaraz forehand dropper makes it almost impossible to get to.
Djokovic has a good drop shot, Murray and some other top players. But what makes Alcaraz's so unique and deadly is that instant reflex and disguise. You know if he's going to go for a heavy inside our forehand OR if he's going to pull that drop shot right after. He can hurt you with both power and finesse. It makes it difficult to play him in the rallies. Not many players can switch like that. Most of the time they mess the drop shot up when they try to fake opponents out from a forehand tease.
Vamos Carlitos¡!!!!
Eres un Gran Matador
Un Gladiador
Un Gran Conquistador Español.
Viva Carlitos ,el Señor del tenis Mundial..
Great collection of dropshots Raz. You'll have to add some of the 10 or more that he executed to perfection today during the Barcelona Final against Tsitsipas
Carlitos es increible, Y PUNTO!!
Now do his lob. I think Alcaraz's acccusracy front to back is about the best I've eevr seen
Qué manera de jugar tan elegante y letal tiene Carlos; además de efectivo su tenis es muy bonito.
Yes, its probably the best forehand drop shot of all time. At the moment Alcaraz and Djokovic have implemented drop shots at the highest level. Djokovic mostly with the backhand and Alcaraz with the forehand. But Alcaraz more and more implements the backhand dropshot also. Because he has top 3 most powerfull and precise groundstrokes, he forces his opponents to react one way or the other, which makes the dropshot even more powerfull. There is absolutely nothing you can do against this dropshot as an opponent when he is in shape. If you react to early and run forward he will just go for the winner left or right instead of the dropshot. And you, as an opponent will look silly running forward.
stop wanking with alltime kid ;)
Vamos Carlos ❤