Carlos Alcaraz snubs “idol” Rafael Nadal in candid admission as he fanboys over Roger Federer in shocking admission

The Spaniard admitted that while his idolizes Nadal, he wants to play like Federer.

Carlos Alcaraz snubs “idol” Rafael Nadal in candid admission as he fanboys over Roger Federer in shocking admission

Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer (Images via Imago)

Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has revealed Rafael Nadal as his idol since the first time he was asked about it. However, the 20-year-old cheekily snubbed the 22-time Grand Slam winner for Roger Federer when Alcaraz was asked who he would like to play like from the previous generation of tennis legends.

After his quarterfinal qualification at 2024 Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz sat for a chant with Tennis Channel and talked about a range of things. The Spaniard talked about his win against Fabian Marozsan and how he stuck to his natural game to avenge his defeat to the Italian at the 2023 Rome Masters.

YouTube video

Alcaraz was then asked to pick a player from the previous generation who he would like to imitate and the 20-year-old was quick to name Federer. Alcaraz said that while he has always idolized Rafael Nadal and his playing style is very similar to the Spaniard, he would like to play like the Swiss maestro.

FS Video
I have always said that my idol is Rafa but I want to say that I really want to play like Roger. I am not gonna lie. His style, his elegance on the court is something amazing. I said many times my game is more similar (to Rafa) than Roger's game and I would like to play like him.
Carlos Alcaraz said.

Carlos Alcaraz is starting to imitate Roger Federer

Carlos Alcaraz‘s answer about wanting to play like Roger Federer looks an honest one considering the fact that the Spaniard has already started to imitate the Swiss tennis maestro. Alcaraz played a shot very similar to Federer during his second-round match at the 2024 Indian Wells.

Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz
Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz (Credit; Eurosport)

Playing against Matteo Arnaldi, Alcaraz played the infamous Sneak Attack By Roger (SABR). As Federer was known for his tactics where he moved away during the second serve from his opponent so that he could hit a half-volley, Alcaraz pulled off a similar trick against Anrnaldi.

The Spaniard quickly moved away and went close to the net after returning the serve from Arnaldi in the opening set of their match. This tempted Arnaldi to go to his right while Alcaraz hit a soft forehand to his opponent’s left winning a crucial point. The video clip of the same was shared by the ATP Tour on social media.

Speaking of Alcaraz’s campaign at the Indian Wells Open, the 20-year-old is cruising closer to the quest of defending his title. Alcaraz has reached the quarterfinal and will face Alexander Zverev in the next round.

In case you missed!