Popular Spanish journalist ‘puts things into perspective’ about the comparisons of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz became the first Spaniard to clinch the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters since Rafael Nadal in 2018.

Popular Spanish journalist ‘puts things into perspective’ about the comparisons of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

The well-known journalist from Punto de Break, Jose Moron, has analyzed the comparison between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Moron, who is also Spanish, believes that both players have made the Spanish tennis circuit proud for different reasons. However, he points out that the two players are completely different.

The journalist claims that the methodology that works for Alcaraz wouldn’t have worked for Nadal during his prime years. The left-hander retired from professional tennis at the conclusion of Spain’s Davis Cup campaign last year.

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Alcaraz is Alcaraz. He’s not Nadal and he never will be. That’s how it is. For better or for worse. You can’t ask him to win as authoritatively as Rafa, nor to work the same hours as the player from Manacor, because everyone is different and what works for one isn’t the same for another. You can’t criticize him (badly) when he loses a set, as if losing a set were the end of the world. Mind you, I’m not saying you can’t tell when he’s feeling bad or when he’s had several bad months. Obviously, you have to discuss things when they happen; I’m just talking about putting things into perspective.

Jose Moron said on Punto de Break

Although Nadal is no longer on the professional tour, he has created many memories with Alcaraz on the court. A notable one was at the Paris Olympics, where the duo played men’s doubles together and reached the quarterfinals.

They were expected to reunite once again at the Laver Cup last year. However, Nadal withdrew from the event at the last minute and was replaced by Grigor Dimitrov.

Carlos Alcaraz overtakes Alexander Zverev

Jannik Sinner has now spent 45 weeks as the ATP World No. 1. Even though his lead has become smaller, he still holds the top spot. Sinner is serving a three-month ban and will return on May 4. Despite being out, neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Alexander Zverev managed to pass him.

Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz (via X)

Alcaraz had a chance to overtake Sinner but struggled during the Sunshine Double. Zverev also missed his chance after losing early in Monte Carlo. Alcaraz later won the Monte Carlo title, earning 1,000 points. That helped him move to No. 2 and reduced Sinner’s lead to 2,210 points.

Novak Djokovic had a shot to climb the rankings too. But he was upset in the second round by Alejandro Tabilo. Since he didn’t defend his 2024 semi-final points, he dropped 360 points. Taylor Fritz, who skipped Monte Carlo, stays ahead of Djokovic by 1,160 points.

Lorenzo Musetti reached his first Masters 1000 final but lost to Alcaraz. Still, his strong run moved him up five spots to a career-high No. 11. He’s now just 15 points behind Casper Ruud, who fell three places after failing to match last year’s runner-up finish.

Rafael Nadal’s most successful events on clay

For the last 20 years, one name ruled the clay courts — Rafael Nadal. Though he retired in 2024, his legacy still shapes the clay season. The Spanish legend showed unmatched skill and power on this surface. Fans and players still feel his presence as the first full clay season without him begins.

Rafael Nadal University 2025
Rafael Nadal (Image via X/Rafael Nadal)

Nadal won four clay titles at the Madrid Open. He beat top players like Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, and Dominic Thiem. His last win there came in 2017. In Rome, he lifted the Italian Open trophy 10 times. His rivals included Federer, Djokovic, and Ferrer. He won his final title there in 2021.

At the Monte Carlo Masters, Nadal was even more dominant. He claimed 11 titles from 2005 to 2018. He won eight in a row from 2005 to 2012. After a short break from victory, he came back to win three more between 2016 and 2018. He beat many strong opponents like Federer, Djokovic, and Nishikori.

The French Open was Nadal’s greatest stage. He won a record 14 titles in Paris. His first came in 2005, and his last in 2022. He beat legends like Federer, Djokovic, and Thiem. He lost only three matches in his whole Roland Garros career. No one has ever ruled a Grand Slam the way he did in France.