I don’t want to compare myself to Rafa: World no. 318 Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, who is just 17, but a sensation in the tennis world has said that he would like to chart his own path on the tennis circuit. Also, he doesn’t want to be compared to his legendary countryman and his ideal Rafael Nadal.

In the recent times, Alcaraz has been making tennis fans sit up and take notice of his game.

Carlos Alcaraz on Rafael Nadal

In an interview with Spanish website AS, Alcaraz says, “I don’t want to compare myself to Rafa (Nadal), because to begin with he is my idol and it is almost impossible or very difficult to get to where he has reached. You have to put aside the comparisons and each one should follow his own way.”

”They (people and the media) ask me a lot of questions about expectations and I answer, but in the end I am with my circle, with my team, with clear goals and knowing what I have to do and the path I have to follow. We all have it clear. I go little by little without ever looking much ahead.” Alcaraz further added,

Taking about the competing in the Challenger circuit when it resumes, the 17-year old says that he is excited and his eventual goal is to become World No.1.

My big dream is to be number one in the world – Alcaraz

“My big dream is to be number one in the world. I would love to win all the Grand Slams, but last year I started on grass, at Wimbledon, and it was amazing. I would love to win there … apart from Roland Garros.” Alcaraz further stated.

At the Equelite Academy, Alcaraz has been working with another former World No.1 from Spain, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and says that the Spanish champion has been helping him a lot on his game and mentality.

“Juan Carlos places great emphasis on the subject of attitude. It is very important, it is almost everything. Those who know how to manage their emotions have a lot of advantage.” Alcaraz said.

Carlos Alcaraz, who is ranked 318 in the world, made his ATP main draw debut earlier this year at the 2020 Rio Open. Where in a third set tie-breaker in three hours and 36 minutes, he beat fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos Viñolas, who is ranked No. 41 in the world.

Also read: Besides being a Tennis Star, Rafael Nadal excels in this sport as well