“If my career is half of what…” Carlos Alacraz makes shocking admission about his ‘goals’ as he bids adieu to ‘idol’ Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz reveals the role tennis legend Rafael Nadal played in his dream to win Grand Slams and become World No. 1.
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Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)
Carlos Alcaraz has often revealed how much he adores his idol, Rafael Nadal. On Tuesday (November 19), Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis after playing his final career match at the Davis Cup Finals.
Alcaraz, who was by his side during the emotional national anthem, has revealed that he would be happy if he ever won half of Nadal’s career titles. Nadal is recognized as the greatest Spanish athlete in modern history having singlehandedly taken the country’s fame to the mountaintop of tennis.
Several Spanish WTA and ATP stars, including Paula Badosa and Roberto Bautista Agut, have often referred to Nadal as their role model. However, only Alcaraz looks like he can emulate what Nadal has achieved on the court.
In 2022, Alcaraz became the youngest World No. 1 and year-end No. 1 in the history of the ATP at the age of 19 years and four months. At the 2024 Wimbledon, he claimed his fourth Grand Slam title after defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets. He went on to win the China Open title in October after defeating Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz has won 16 career tour-level titles and is in the right direction to reach Nadal’s 92 titles mark. After Spain exited the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, he revealed that his goal would be to reach half of Nadal’s achievements.
My dream has always been to be number one in the world and to win Grand Slams. A big part of that dream has been thanks to Rafa Nadal. When he was speaking I remembered when I was little and I saw him winning, with that passion, that joy… thinking that one day I would be there. If my career is half of what Rafa has done, I will be more than happy.
Carlos Alcaraz said (via Davis Cup Press)
Nadal ended his career having won 22 Grand Slams and 36 Masters 1000 titles. 14 of the 23 Grand Slams came at the Roland Garros where he achieved an impossible 112-4 win-loss record.
Carlos Alcaraz reflects on what he would remember Rafael Nadal for
Rafael Nadal‘s career ended in defeat after losing in straight sets to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp. Carlos Alcaraz tried to help Spain make a comeback after downing Dutch No. 1 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3.
However, in the decisive doubles contest, the 21-year-old and his partner Marcel Granollers were beaten 6(4), 7-6(3) by the Dutch duo of Wesley Koolhof and van de Zandschulp. After 1-2 in defeat in the best-of-three series, Alcaraz reflected on Nadal’s retirement from tennis.
What I remember from Nadal is the passion with which one must live tennis. He has lived this last tournament with incredible passion. I have been lucky to have him around, to have played doubles, to train with him… less than I would have liked. I wish I had arrived on the circuit earlier.
Carlos Alcaraz said (via Davis Cup Press)
Spain have failed to win the Davis Cup for the fifth consecutive year despite finishing top of their Group phase in September. They beat the Czech Republic, France, and Australia to top Group B.
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Victor Okechukwu
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