My Influences: When Alcaraz is playing, Rocha is watching
When asked which former champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF comes to mind, Henrique Rocha doesn’t hesitate. His answer is swift and brimming with enthusiasm. Carlos Alcaraz, the 2021 winner.
The Portuguese talent, just 20 years old, lights up as he speaks about the Spaniard. Alcaraz’s electrifying style of play, highlighted by his ferocious forehand and boundless energy, has captivated tennis fans worldwide, Rocha included. The admiration for the 21-year-old World No. 3 is clear, and it fuels Rocha’s own aspirations.
The rising star hopes to chart a similar path to Alcaraz’s, beginning at this year’s Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF. Currently ranked 11th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, Rocha is battling to secure his spot in the prestigious event with a strong push in the season’s final week.
In the latest feature for our Next Gen ‘My Influences’ series, Rocha sat down with ATPTour.com to share his thoughts on Alcaraz’s influence, the special bond he shares with his brother, and much more.
[ATP AWARDS]Which former Next Gen champ do you most identify with?
I would say probably Alcaraz. I think I play better on clay courts too. I have a very good forehand, which I think is the most powerful weapon in Alcaraz’s game. So I’ll say it’s probably him.
Can you recall the first time meeting Alcaraz or watching him?
I have watched him many times. For example, this year at Roland Garros, he was in the final, and semi-finals, he was playing great, great tennis. And I mean he is one of the best two or three players in the world right now. He is still so young. He does great matches. He is always so fun to watch.
I watched Sinner’s final five years ago at Next Gen and last year I also watched a bit of Medjedovic against Fils in the final. I find it fun in a different way, because we all are always used to six games and advantage and everything. So I think it is kind of fun to have the scoring a bit different.
How inspired have you been with the success of the others at your age?
I think we basically all know each other. I have had contact with everyone. Two years ago, I played with Fils in doubles. I think we had a lot of connection. I know them all. And I have already practiced or played with them, so I think everyone has a good vibe and a healthy competition. We are all young and to be at the Next Gen level, you already have to have a certain level when you are 20 or 21 years old. So that means we will most likely achieve good things in the future. That’s what I am hoping for, that’s what I am working for.
How inspiring is it to see the success of former Next Gen players?
Alcaraz and Sinner were a bit more premature. When they were younger they were already winning everything. But everyone has their path and I think the most important thing is to keep working hard and you will achieve your ambitions and what you want to be. So, they did their path and I’ll do mine for sure.
Who were your other idols on court when growing up?
I looked a lot to Roger Federer. He was my idol. But in Portugal, I would say that Joao Sousa always had this mentality of working hard and he was so competitive, so competitive. That’s typical for the guys from Portugal. And I always admire him a lot because he had all of that energy, that suffering, that working, and I admire that a lot about him. I try to follow in his steps. Now I have also been very close to Nuno Borges. It helps me a lot to be close to these guys. They are already on the top or very close to the top and I want to be there also one day.
How big of a support has your family been?
My parents are always my support but I’ll say even my brother, he always was and is by my side since I was 10 years old. He always pushes me a lot. Because he always knew I could be a good player. I have a lot to improve yet and he is still always next to me and supporting me. He is one of my inspirations and is always trying to look out for me.