Carlos Alcaraz’s record-breaking win at the Monte-Carlo Masters has earned him comparisons to the tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Both players started playing the sport as teenagers, winning major titles at a young age. Not just the Monte-Carlo win, but other things like him winning his first grand slam at the age of 19 and quickly becoming the World Number, just like Rafael Nadal. Their shared nationality, dominance in the sport, and success on clay courts have further sparked the never-ending comparisons.
Carlos Alcaraz on comparison with Nadal
Despite these flattering parallels, Carlos Alcaraz has repeatedly distanced himself from the “Rafa’s successor” label. He said in a recent documentary series on Netflix, “I don’t want to be called Rafa’s successor. I want to be called Carlos Alcaraz Garcia.”
He further added how these comparisons build unnecessary pressure onto him and said, “When you’re young and they’re constantly comparing you to some professional that’s been on the circuit for many years, there are times you get tired of hearing it. This leads to an excess of pressure and in the end, I think it can distort your daily life and even confuse you.”
Carlos Alcaraz on his future
Upon being asked whether he has any plans to join Nadal on the tennis triumph, he said, “Well, right now, I don’t know,” he says. “I’m still young, I have a lot ahead of me, but from what I’ve lived so far, I definitely prefer to put happiness before any kind of accomplishment. Being happy is an accomplishment, and happiness isn’t always easy to find.”
Even though Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t want to be compared with Rafael Nadal, he continues to be a tennis icon. He will be eyeing the upcoming Grand Slam, the French Open in May 2025.
Also Read: Madrid Open 2025: Schedule, Key Players, And More
