Toni Nadal Gives Reality Check to Carlos Alcaraz on his Controversial ‘Roger Federer’ Comment at Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz's 16-match winning streak came to an end against Daniil Medvedev at the Indian Wells Open.

Toni Nadal Gives Reality Check to Carlos Alcaraz on his Controversial ‘Roger Federer’ Comment at Indian Wells

Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz, and Toni Nadal (via X/Jose Morgado/Star Tennis)

In Short
  • Toni Nadal disagrees with Carlos Alcaraz's claim of having a target on his back after his comments at Indian Wells.
  • Alcaraz suffered a semi-finals defeat to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells despite being the tournament favorite.
  • Alcaraz is set to compete at the Miami Open, aiming for his second title after winning in 2022.

Rafael Nadal’s uncle, Toni Nadal, has admitted he disagrees with Carlos Alcaraz’s comments about facing Roger Federer in every round since winning the Australian Open. The 22-year-old revealed at the Indian Wells Open that he feels that he has targets on his back and players are aiming to beat him on tour.

Alcaraz kicked off his 2026 season with a spectacular triumph at the Australian Open, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in the last four before thumping Novak Djokovic in the final in four sets.

He continued his unbeaten run at the Qatar Open, where he claimed his second title of the season after defeating Arthur Fils.

The Spaniard was hoping to continue with the form at Indian Wells, but his momentum was cut short against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. Despite being the favorite to win the tournament, Alcaraz fell to the Russian star in straight sets at the California desert. However, en route to his semi-final exit, he complained about players trying to beat him.

The World No.1 had come from a set down to beat Arthur Rinderknech in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. After the win, he noted during his post-match press conference that if the Frenchman played the way he did against him, he would have been ranked higher in the ATP rankings.

He further stressed that he seems to be facing players who have surprisingly metamorphosed into Roger Federer on the court. But legendary coach Toni Nadal told Onda Cero’s Radioestadio Noche that players are not necessarily targeting Alcaraz, but rather they aim to beat those who are better than them on tour:

It’s not about having a target on your back — I don’t agree with Alcaraz on that. When you play someone better than you, you know you have to take a lot more risks. And Alcaraz is better than Medvedev. It’s not that Medvedev is more motivated to face Alcaraz; he just knows he has to go for more to beat him. It’s not a battle against Alcaraz – it’s a battle against the best. And right now, Alcaraz is the best.

Alcaraz will once again be the player to be chased at the Miami Open. Since claiming back the World No.1 position last September, he has been consistent on the court and grinding out results when he’s not at his best. However, he will face a tough test holding that position on tour this season.

Carlos Alcaraz likely to face Joao Fonseca in the third round of the Miami Open

Carlos Alcaraz has had a stellar start to the 2026 season, but he will face another task at the Miami Open, which begins on Tuesday (March 17). The World No.1 will begin the pursuit of his second Miami title, having won it in 2022. He has not been able to reach the final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament since winning it.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

He’s projected to face Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca or Fabian Marozsan in the third round, with a potential clash with Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round. However, Alcaraz’s possible meeting with Fonseca in the third round will be their first clash on tour. He has played against the Brazilian star in an exhibition match at a baseball stadium in Miami.

Fonseca reached the third round of the Miami Open last year after defeating Learner Tien and Ugo Humbert. But he couldn’t get past Australia’s Alex de Minaur, who defeated him in three sets at the Hard Rock Stadium. Nonetheless, Alcaraz is likely to face Jannik Sinner in the final of the tournament, which will be their first clash of the season.

Sinner enters the Miami Open following his triumph at the Indian Wells Open for the first time in his career. He will be aiming to complete the Sunshine Doubles. The Italian star will open his account against Bosnian star Damir Dzumhur or a qualifier. Sinner holds a comfortable 19-3 win-loss record in Miami.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Proud of Overcoming Heat Troubles in Indian Wells Title-Winning Campaign