Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has ranked Carlos Alcaraz second in his list of the greatest forehands in tennis history, placing him directly behind 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. The assessment contrasts with recent high-profile praise labeling Alcaraz’s forehand the finest ever witnessed on the professional tour.
Mouratoglou Evaluates the All-Time Forehands
Mouratoglou structured his all-time ranking after observing a technical commonality among elite ball-strikers. Before releasing his selections, the French coach noted that four of the five premier forehands in tennis history feature a straight arm at contact. This biomechanical trait, according to his analysis, points toward an optimal method for generating power and control from the baseline.
The ranking places Jannik Sinner in fifth position, valued for precise court geometry, acceleration, and baseline reliability. Juan Martín del Potro occupies fourth place, noted for a particularly flat trajectory produced by his height and extended reach. Roger Federer takes third place, specifically for his ability to redirect the ball early and run around his backhand wing.
Carlos Alcaraz is positioned second on the list. Mouratoglou highlighted the combination of raw power, heavy topspin, sharp angles, and exceptional feel that defines the 23-year-old Spaniard’s stroke. However, Rafael Nadal claims the top spot. Mouratoglou cited Nadal’s status as a left-hander as a foundational advantage, compounded by extreme topspin, high clearance over the net, and unmatched shotmaking quality that makes his forehand a persistent challenge for opponents.
Technical Breakdown and Prior Analysis
The debate over historical stroke supremacy gained momentum following Alcaraz’s run at the US Open, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to Ben Shelton in five sets. That tournament marked his return to competitive play following a four-month layoff due to a right wrist injury. Tim Henman recently asserted that Alcaraz possesses the greatest forehand he has ever seen, surpassing both Federer and Nadal.
Mouratoglou’s evaluation diverges from Henman’s assessment by emphasizing Nadal’s historically proven arsenal. In earlier technical breakdowns, the French coach described Nadal's forehand as unique due to its heavy revolutions, sharp cross-court angles, and quick transition from defense to offense. Regarding Alcaraz, Mouratoglou previously noted that the younger Spaniard initiates his preparation early with a compact swing, allowing sufficient time to attack incoming balls aggressively.
Head-to-Head History and Mutual Praise
Comparisons between Alcaraz and Nadal have circulated since Alcaraz entered the professional tour as a teenager. Both players share a physically demanding style, exceptional court speed, and heavy baseline weaponry. On the ATP Tour, the two Spaniards have met three times. Nadal claimed victory in their first two encounters, while Alcaraz secured a win in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Madrid Open en route to the title. They also partnered in doubles at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Nadal offered high praise for his younger compatriot’s athletic ceiling. Nadal noted that Alcaraz’s physical conditioning and movement allow him to reach balls with power, enabling natural hand talent to dictate play in situations others cannot reach. Nadal expressed confidence that Alcaraz possesses all the necessary attributes to sustain a position at the pinnacle of the sport.
