Carlos Alcaraz’s nine-word admission about Rafael Nadal says it all about tennis prodigy
Carlos Alcaraz has played down comparisons with the recently retired Rafael Nadal and insisted that his legendary compatriot is a hard act to follow
Two-time Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz has openly dismissed the idea of being the next Rafael Nadal after claiming: "I don't want to see myself as Rafa's replacement".
Alcaraz, who by 21 has already snagged four grand slam titles including back-to-back triumphs at Wimbledon and major wins at the French and US Open, still chooses to keep his feet firmly on the ground. With his compatriot retiring with an impressive haul of 22 majors, Alcaraz doesn't see himself as the man to step into the shoes of the tennis icon.
During a chat on a French TV show, Alcaraz spoke fondly of Nadal. While he cited him as a pivotal inspiration, he also simultaneously played down any suggestion he could the man to take over the mantle as Spain's biggest threat on the tennis circuit, as he believes he could never surpass him.
"Rafa's retirement is a shame for Spanish sports, for sports in general, for me," Alcaraz said. "I grew up watching Rafa and he is one of the reasons why I wanted to become a professional tennis player. He inspired me to keep training, to keep fighting, and I thank him for that.
READ MORE: ‘I’ve drunk with Nadal and Federer - here’s why they’re so different on nights out'READ MORE: ‘I’ve faced the best but one player is more intimidating than Djokovic, Nadal and Federer’"I don't want to see myself as Rafa's replacement, I come out losing because of everything he has done for tennis, for sports in Spain."
Just like Nadal, Alcaraz has a deep-rooted fondness for the French Open. Nadal holds the record for the most victories at Roland Garros with an impressive 14 titles in Paris.
Alcaraz has also declared that the tournament holds a special "place in his heart" after he triumphed in Paris this year by defeating German Alexander Zverev in a thrilling match to seal his maiden title in the tournament.
"(Paris is) a beautiful city that hosts the best tournaments in the world. I love playing here. (It) has a place in (my) heart. It's the tournament I watched as a child, I was very excited to be able to participate and win it someday," he said."When I won it, those beautiful moments of watching it at home came back to me. After seeing Rafa win it so many times, I wanted to put my name on the list of Roland Garros winners."
Despite his affection for the city, the world No.2 was eliminated from this week's Paris Masters in the last 16. He later grumbled that the court was too fast, making it challenging to train for the right conditions.After being defeated in a three-set nail-biter to Ugo Humbert on Thursday night (October 31), Alcaraz said: "This is crazy. I don't know. Probably the fastest one (Court), you know, in the last ten years in this tournament."
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