Carlos Alcaraz Pickleball Crossover Potential: Retired American tennis player Sam Querrey believes Carlos Alcaraz could become one of the top five pickleball players in the world within just 18 months. Querrey shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the Pickleballers Podcast, sparking excitement over the young tennis star’s potential crossover.
Alcaraz’s Transition to Pickleball
Querrey was asked how long it might take for Carlos Alcaraz, currently one of the top tennis players in the world, to rise in the pickleball ranks if he started playing today. He answered, “18 months, if he’s like all in. I’m just guessing. Yeah, probably.”
However, he said singles would be an even faster climb. “For singles? For singles he’d be like six months. Doubles is going to take a while longer.”
A 70% Shot at Top Five
Querrey estimated the chances of Alcaraz becoming a top pickleball player. “Is it a 95% chance he gets there? Into the top 10, yeah. Top 5? 70% chance,” he added. His comments show strong belief in Alcaraz’s ability to adapt quickly thanks to his athleticism and court skills.
What If Ben Johns Played Tennis?
Querrey also discussed Ben Johns, who is widely considered the best pickleball player in the world. He wondered how well Johns would have done in tennis if he had taken a different path.
“How good could Ben Johns have been had he focused strictly on tennis? Could he have ever cracked the top 100? Knowing nothing about his game, I’d say no,” Querrey admitted. “He probably would have never been top 200. Top 100 is so hard.”
Future of Crossover Athletes
Querrey’s comments open the door to discussions about more tennis pros trying their hand at pickleball. With Alcaraz’s fast footwork and powerful groundstrokes, many fans might now imagine what could happen if he ever made the switch—especially as pickleball continues to grow.
News in Brief: Carlos Alcaraz Pickleball Crossover Potential
Sam Querrey said Carlos Alcaraz could be a top-five pickleball player within 18 months if fully committed. Querrey gave Alcaraz a 70% chance of reaching the top five and suggested he’d excel in singles even faster. He also doubted Ben Johns could have cracked tennis’s top 100.
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