Tennis
Chris Russo Says Carlos Alcaraz Could Become Tennis’s Greatest
Speaking after Alcaraz’s US Open loss to Ben Shelton, Russo assessed his seven major titles and the role of health in any pursuit of the all-time record.
Chris Russo said Carlos Alcaraz has a chance to become the greatest player of all time while discussing the Spaniard’s quarterfinal defeat to Ben Shelton at the US Open.
The comments came on the September 9 edition of SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Unleashed, after Shelton ended Alcaraz’s title defence in a deciding tiebreak. Russo praised the 23-year-old’s achievements and the way he congratulated Shelton at the net.
“He's got a chance to be the greatest player of all time. He really does, he's that good. I mean he's 23 years of age, he's won 7 grand slams, he's fun to watch, he handled himself wonderfully in the loss, he gave obviously a huge hug to Shelton, he's got it all. He is unbelievable.”
Seven majors before his 23rd birthday
Alcaraz won his seventh major on February 1, defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. At 22, he became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, adding Melbourne to the titles he had already won at the other three majors.
He had won the US Open in 2022 and 2025. His Wimbledon championships came in 2023 and 2024, and his Roland Garros titles in 2024 and 2025. The Australian Open victory came in his 20th major appearance and left him with a 7-1 record in Grand Slam finals at that point.
Russo acknowledged the distance between that total and the records set by Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. He also made health and motivation conditions of his prediction.
“He's got a chance. Again, he's only won 7, a long way to go. Djokovic got 24. 22 for Nadal. 20 for Federer. That's the benchmark. But he's got a chance to be on that level. If he stays healthy. And he hasn't been able to stay healthy. But if he stays healthy, motivated, he's gonna win a million times.”
The ATP’s record list puts Djokovic on 24 men’s major singles titles, followed by Nadal on 22 and Federer on 20. Alcaraz’s seven place him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
Russo singles out Sinner
In assessing Alcaraz’s opposition, Russo identified Jannik Sinner as the player capable of beating him even when the Spaniard is playing well. He credited Shelton with taking the opportunity presented in their quarterfinal.
“The only guy that can beat him when he's playing really well is Sinner. That's the only guy in town. But even then I'm not so sure. But Sinner can beat him when Alcaraz is at least playing well. Everybody else to beat him, they need Alcaraz to be a little off. And to Shelton's credit, he took advantage of that.”
Shelton won that match 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6, taking the deciding tiebreak 10-7. Alcaraz won the fourth set 6-1 to force a decider, but Shelton finished the match after four hours and 28 minutes, at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday.
Russo’s praise for Shelton’s performance appeared in The Sporting Page’s earlier quarterfinal analysis. Since those September 9 comments, Shelton has also beaten Frances Tiafoe, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5, to reach the US Open final against Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz’s return from injury
Alcaraz came to New York after more than four months away from competition. A right wrist injury had kept him out since April, and he missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He announced his US Open return on August 20.
After the loss to Shelton, Alcaraz said he was disappointed not to win but pleased with how he had fought. In remarks reported by the Associated Press, he said that returning to competition and leaving healthy had been among his expectations for the tournament.
“I leave the court happy,” Alcaraz said. “I leave the court with a smile. I am proud of myself, how I fought.”
