In a heartfelt interview with Italian outlet *Gazzetta dello Sport*, young Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz opened up about his admiration and respect for his legendary compatriot, Rafael Nadal. As Nadal prepares to bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis during the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Alcaraz stands poised to carry forward the legacy of Spanish dominance in the sport. The 21-year-old Alcaraz, already a four-time Grand Slam champion, has drawn comparisons to Nadal for his fiery style and immense success at such a young age. Though their playing styles differ, the connection between the two players runs deep, with Nadal serving as both a mentor and an idol for Alcaraz.
The Davis Cup Finals in Malaga mark a significant moment for Spanish tennis fans, as it will be Nadal’s last tournament before his official retirement. Alcaraz reflected on this poignant milestone and what it means to him personally. “Playing in Paris with Rafa was a dream,” Alcaraz shared. “He has always been my idol; he is one of the best athletes, if not the best, that Spain has ever had. The news of his retirement was not pleasant for any of us, but the fact that he is saying goodbye in Spain, in Malaga, playing in the Davis Cup, will make this event special for our entire country. It will be even more special for me since I will be able to live that week side by side with my hero.”
Alcaraz’s words reveal the deep respect and admiration he holds for Nadal, and it is clear that the young star views the Davis Cup event as a symbolic passing of the torch. Currently competing in the ATP Finals in Turin, Alcaraz expressed his excitement to continue competing and building his own legacy, even as he acknowledges the shadow cast by Nadal’s career.
In the wide-ranging interview, Alcaraz also addressed the challenges of maintaining a relentless schedule on the ATP Tour. “Sometimes it is difficult, to tell the truth,” he admitted. “It is hard to get the energy out, to find the right motivation. Sometimes you feel like a slave to the circuit and the tournaments. Luckily, with experience, you learn to find moments for yourself, free days that make you switch off and catch your breath, that help you move forward, to give 100% in training or in events day after day.” Alcaraz’s candor reflects the mental and physical toll faced by professional athletes, especially those at the pinnacle of their sport.
The young Spaniard also delved into his burgeoning rivalry with Italy’s Jannik Sinner, a matchup that has already produced thrilling encounters on the court. Alcaraz emphasized the importance of maintaining this high level of competition over the years. “Having lost the Big 3, in a certain sense, people want to put labels on those who came after, like us. It’s true that Jannik and I have already experienced fantastic moments against each other, great battles that will remain in the history of this sport, but we’re talking about two or three years. We have to be good at maintaining this level for at least the next 15 if we want to be remembered like them.”
Alcaraz spoke highly of Sinner’s poise and technical abilities, noting, “The weapons that you would steal from Sinner? The calm with which he goes on court: it’s something incredible. In the most delicate moments, those of greatest tension, I envy his tranquility. As for the game itself, I would like to try his backhand or his serve. They are potentially lethal weapons.” He highlighted their grueling quarterfinal match at the 2022 US Open as a career-defining moment. “The quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open were the most difficult battle, but in my opinion one of the most beautiful. I think I have reached probably the highest point, both mentally and physically, of my entire career.”
During media day at the ATP Finals, Alcaraz shared his ambition to win the prestigious trophy, underscoring his desire to be recognized among the elite. “I would really love to lift this prestigious trophy one day. It’s only the second time I’ve played in Turin and, for me, playing with the best seven players in the world really means a lot. Being here is a goal that I’ve been chasing since the beginning of the season.”
Despite his rivalry with Sinner, Alcaraz has earned a strong following among Italian fans. “I honestly don’t know why so many Italian fans continue to love me so much despite my rivalry with Jannik, but I think it’s because I always try to make people have fun when I step on the court. Maybe it’s because of my personality or maybe it’s just my tennis, but it’s true that in Italy I feel the passion of the fans. Italians love sports a lot, not just tennis,” Alcaraz noted.
He concluded by revealing that his focus remains on the ATP Finals, with thoughts of the Davis Cup and Nadal’s farewell yet to fully sink in. “I don’t want to think about Davis at the moment also because it’s difficult for me to accept Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal. I’m focused on the ATP Finals, and I don’t know what will happen in Malaga. I’ll think about it when the time comes and we’ll see how it goes.” Alcaraz’s words reflect a mix of determination, respect, and an eagerness to honor the past while forging his own path in tennis history.