Rafael Nadal believes Carlos Alcaraz will become one of the “best” tennis players in history

Rafael Nadal is convinced that compatriot Carlos Alcaraz will become one of the best players in tennis history.

Rafael Nadal believes Carlos Alcaraz will become one of the “best” tennis players in history

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

Rafael Nadal has admitted that he believes Carlos Alcaraz can become one of the best players in tennis history. The 38-year-old has been a big supporter of his young compatriot. Recently, they both partnered at the Paris Olympics doubles, where they exited in the quarterfinals.

Alcaraz announced himself to the tennis world at the 2022 US Open, where he won his first career Grand Slam. He also became the youngest male player in the Open Era (19 years, four months, and six days) to end the year as World No. 1. Since then, the Spaniard has been winning a plethora of titles and breaking many records.

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This season, Alcaraz won the French Open and defended his Wimbledon title, defeating one of his closest rivals, Novak Djokovic, in the final. He is the only player this season to have beaten Jannik Sinner twice. He lost his first big tournament final at the Paris Olympics, losing to Djokovic and taking home the singles silver medal.

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Nadal shared the court with Alcaraz for the doubles at the Paris Olympics. Despite not claiming a medal, their partnership was regarded highly by many fans. In a recent interview, Nadal opined that Alcaraz can become one of the best players in history.

I am convinced Carlos Alcaraz will become one of the best in tennis history.
Rafael Nadal said on Antena 3’s show El Hormiguero

That said, Alcaraz has been struggling with his game in the last few weeks. After the Olympics, he has won only one match and lost twice. He recently crashed out of the US Open in the second round after losing to World No. 74 Botic Van de Zandschulp in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal remains ambiguous about his retirement plans

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal remains ambiguous about when he will retire from the sport. Despite several talks about the likelihood of the Spanish legend retiring after a disappointing Paris Olympics, the 38-year-old has chosen not to do so.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

In a recent interview, he stated that everyone has been speculating about his retirement due to his age and had no complaints about it, though he once again refused to elaborate further on the issue.

People are retiring me every day for some time now. It’s normal as I’m getting older.

Rafael Nadal said (via El Hormiguero)

Nadal has played in very few tournaments this season and has skipped three Grand Slams. The only Major he competed in was the French Open, where he made a first-round exit after losing to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.

At the Paris Olympics, he failed to go past the second round in the singles and the quarterfinals in the doubles alongside his partner Carlos Alcaraz. After withdrawing from the US Open, he confirmed his participation in the Laver Cup in Berlin, which kicks off on September 20.

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