Carlos Alcaraz hails childhood hero Rafael Nadal as he talks about his career ambition

2-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz was full of praise for Spanish legend Rafael Nadal.

Carlos Alcaraz hails childhood hero Rafael Nadal as he talks about his career ambition

Carlos Alcaraz (L-Tennis World) and Rafael Nadal (R-Wimbledon)

Carlos Alcaraz is arguably a worthy successor to Rafael Nadal‘s throne as the best Spanish professional tennis player. The world number one won his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open Championships. The Spaniard followed it up with his 2nd Grand Slam title at this year’s Wimbledon. Alcaraz put on a spine-tingling performance to beat the favorite, Novak Djokovic, in the final .

In an interview on the sidelines of the Cincinnati Masters Alcaraz hailed Nadal as his hero. Talking about his own career, Alcaraz said, “I want to be one of the best tennis player in history, to be on the same table as legend Rafael Nadal.” Alcaraz’s game is reminiscent of the 22-Grand Slam champion Nadal. Both the Spaniards are known for their never-say-die attitude as they exhibit unparalleled court coverage.

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Further talking about the great Spaniard, Alcaraz remarked,“Rafa was my hero, when I was young, when I started playing tennis. I used to watch his matches, finals – lifting best trophies in the world. For me, Rafa was my hero growing up.” Alcaraz would cap off a remarkable career if he achieves even half of what Nadal has achieved. But, as long as the young Spaniard keeps putting on the performances he’s right now, it won’t be a surprise if he ends up somewhere near Nadal’s tally.

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Meanwhile, Nadal has announced that 2024 will be his last year on the tour. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has had a rough 2023 due to injuries. Nadal was the defending champion at the 2023 Australian Open, but lost in straight sets to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. He hasn’t played a single Grand Slam since then and has withdrawn from the upcoming US Open too.

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Carlos Alcaraz nears Nadal for another record

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via India Today)

The world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, has had a fantastic 2023 season. Alcaraz withdrew from the Australian Open losing the world No.1 ranking to the champion Novak Djokovic. Since then he has won a string of titles including the Wimbledon. Alcaraz became the first non-“Big 4” player to win Wimbledon since Lleyton Hewitt’s victory in 2002.

With 50 wins for the year, Alcaraz is nearing another record. In the list of Matches won by male singles major-winning teenagers in the year they turned 20 (Open Era) Alcaraz is about to surpass his hero Nadal who’s at 60 wins. The record is held by the Swedish legend Stefan Edberg (70 wins).

Carlos Alcaraz is currently participating in the Cincinnati Masters in the lead-up to US Open. Alcaraz got better of the Australian Max Purcell in the quarter-finals in three sets. The world number one is next scheduled to play the big-serving Polish Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-final. Keeping an eye on the big prize, Alcaraz will be looking forward to defend his title at the US Open later this month.

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