Daria Kasatkina labels Carlos Alcaraz getting compared to Rafael Nadal as “wrong”
Daria Kasatkina made it clear that she has a problem with labeling in sports in general as she talked about embracing difference personalities.
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L-R: Daria Kasatkina, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Imago)
Russian tennis ace Daria Kasatkina does not like the comparison between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. In fact, she labeled such comparisons as wrong. The WTA star feels it is not fair on Alcaraz’s part to get compared with a player from the past generation, as Kasatkina called out the labeling in sports in general.
With Alcaraz rising to the ranks quickly, understandably, there are comparisons everywhere. While some reckon that Alcaraz has traits of the Big Three, some draw a parallel between the Spaniard’s aggressiveness and fighting spirit and that of his senior. However, Kasatkina feels although their similarities, there should not be comparisons.
I’ve never really liked it when they put labels on young players. Labels from older players, it’s just wrong. We always had it like ‘the second Maria Sharapova’ or ‘the next Nadal’, also in football ‘the next Messi or Ronaldo’. It just feels so wrong. I mean, why? Different people, different levels. First of all, time doesn’t stand still. Why would you compare new generations to the previous one?Daria Kasatkina said to TNNS. (H/T: Daily Express)
The Russian WTA ace claimed that every player is different and pointed out that apart from being Spanish and aggressive on the court, Carlos Alcaraz and Nadal don’t share too many similarities. She flagged their different playing styles, Nadal being lefty while Alcaraz being righty, as two big differences between the two players. In the end, she hailed Alcaraz for his ability to put on a show.
Everybody is unique and different, even on the court. Rafa and Alcaraz have a different vibe from each other. What they have in common is they’re both Spanish. Wow really? And their ‘vamos’ and being emotional too. But I think it has to do more with their personalities.Daria Kasatkina opined
Among many, the first to highlight a similarity between Nadal and Alcaraz was Novak Djokovic, who lauded the youngster for his ability to fight back from tough situations, just like the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Daria Kasatkina picks her GOAT for men’s tennis
Apart from sharing her views on the prevalent Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz comparison, Daria Kasatkina also picked her GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of men’s tennis- the never-dying question. Kasatkina took the safer route, hailing the trio of Roger Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic unreachable.
However, Kasatkina subtly did mentioned her pick as she named the player with the most Grand Slam titles.
All three of them are unreachable. You know if someone has an idol, they’ll love him even if the results are not up to par. And it’s obvious in my case, because it started in my childhood, but objectively, looking at the results, Novak is the greatest. It’d be silly to argue about that. And the rest is a matter of taste.Daria Kasatkina said
Just like her GOAT, Kasatkina is not having a great season. She has fallen out of favor with quite a few first-round exits and only one title (WTA 250) in the 2024 season. Kasatkina will hope to turn it around in the Asian swing of the tour.
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Ritesh Pathak
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