‘Carlos Alcaraz is a more mature player than how Rafa was at 18,’ feels Toni Nadal
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Carlos Alcaraz
Teenager Carlos Alcaraz has been a revelation at this year’s US Open. The Spaniard shot to limelight after stunning the World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round. Thereafter, Alcaraz also made the quarterfinals, before was forced to retire midway in the match against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Although the 18-year-old did run out of steam in quarterfinals, his heroics and talent was there for everyone to see. Many experts also compared the youngster to the 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
Speaking to the Spanish publication, Marca, renowned coach Toni Nadal opined that Alcaraz is more mature and better than what his nephew was at 18 years old.
“Alcaraz is a more mature player than how Rafa was at 18. He is probably the guy best positioned to succeed the members of the Big Three. From the first time I saw him play, he already surprised me. Carlos at this age is more complete than Rafa was at his age at a technical level.”
The Spanish coach further added that both Nadal and Alcaraz are two different players, but was amazed by the young Alcaraz’s focus and attitude.
“They (Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal) are different players, but they do have things in common. All the people who play very well have things in common. The first is the will and desire to win, and nowadays it is difficult to see a boy who is very focused.”
Toni impressed with Alcaraz’s technical approach
“From the first time I saw him play, he already surprised me. Carlos at this age is more complete than Rafa was at his age at a technical level. He is a very complete player, with a very aggressive and very modern game, playing the ball very quickly. He has very good technique and looks very focused, he has a very hopeful future.”
While Alcaraz is ranked 55 in the world currently, he is expected to jump many places ahead when the updated ATP rankings are released on Monday.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)