In the wake of Rafael Nadal’s retirement from professional tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, has opened up about the profound influence his idol has had on his career—and the unexpected challenges that come with it. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Madrid Open, where Alcaraz aims to defend his title for a third consecutive year, the world No. 3 reflected on the weight of constant comparisons to Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion whose legacy looms large over Spanish tennis. “It really shouldn’t be the case,” Alcaraz said, addressing how the narrative of being Nadal’s heir has shaped his journey in ways he never anticipated.
Alcaraz’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 21, he has already claimed four Grand Slam titles, including the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon, and five Masters 1000 crowns, most recently at Monte Carlo in April 2025. His explosive athleticism, relentless tenacity, and flair for the dramatic have drawn inevitable parallels to Nadal, who dominated clay courts with 14 Roland Garros titles and inspired a generation. “Rafa has been my idol since I was a kid,” Alcaraz shared, his voice tinged with reverence. “Watching him fight for every point, his passion—it’s why I picked up a racket.” Yet, the constant spotlight on their similarities has, at times, overshadowed Alcaraz’s individuality. “People always want to see me as the next Rafa, and it really shouldn’t be the case,” he reiterated. “I’m Carlos, and I want to create my own path.”
The comparisons began early, when Alcaraz, then a teenage prodigy, broke Nadal’s record as the youngest match winner at the Madrid Open in 2021, defeating Adrian Mannarino at 17. A year later, at 19, he stunned Nadal in the Madrid quarterfinals, becoming the first teenager to beat him on clay. “Any statistic that equals me with Rafa is a good sign,” Alcaraz said at the time, embracing the milestone but wary of its implications. Their shared Spanish heritage, ferocious playing styles, and mentorship under coaches like Juan Carlos Ferrero—a former world No. 1 who trained alongside Nadal—have only fueled the narrative. Off the court, their bond deepened through moments like playing doubles together at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the “Nadalcaraz” pairing captivated fans, and sharing the Spanish Davis Cup team in Nadal’s final tournament in November 2024.
Yet, Alcaraz has felt the pressure of living up to Nadal’s “eternal” legacy, a term he used to describe his compatriot’s impact after Spain’s Davis Cup exit. “I think he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis,” Alcaraz said, praising Nadal’s role in elevating the sport globally. But the expectation to replicate Nadal’s dominance, particularly on clay, has been daunting. “It’s impossible to reproduce the exploits of Nadal on clay,” Alcaraz admitted after his Monte Carlo triumph, referencing Nadal’s 11 titles there. The scrutiny intensified in 2024 when Alcaraz’s inconsistent season—marked by early exits in second-tier tournaments—drew criticism, with some pointing to Nadal’s relentless consistency as the benchmark. “I don’t have his ability to stay at that level all season,” Alcaraz acknowledged, noting his tendency to prioritize Majors over smaller events.
The emotional weight of Nadal’s retirement has added another layer. At the Davis Cup in Málaga, Alcaraz dedicated his 7-6(0), 6-3 singles win over Tallon Griekspoor to Nadal, who played his final match, a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp. “I really wanted to do it for Rafa,” Alcaraz said, his effort to keep Spain alive falling short in a doubles defeat. The moment was bittersweet, with Alcaraz visibly emotional as he hugged Nadal on court. “It’s probably the most special tournament I’ll play in my career,” he said of the event, underscoring Nadal’s influence not just as a player but as a mentor and friend.
As Alcaraz prepares for Madrid, where he enjoys a first-round bye, he’s focused on carving his own legacy. His 2024 season, capped by a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and a charity auction with Ferrero to aid Valencia flood victims, showcased his growing influence off the court. “I’ll try to give my best, to be the best person and player I can every day,” he said, echoing Nadal’s philosophy while asserting his individuality. Posts on X reflect fans’ excitement, with one user noting, “Carlos is honoring Rafa by being himself, not a copy.”
The Madrid Open offers Alcaraz a chance to add to his 15 career titles, but more importantly, to step out of Nadal’s shadow. With a favorable draw and the home crowd behind him, he’s poised to shine. Nadal’s lessons—resilience, humility, and passion—remain, but Alcaraz is ready to write his own story, one forehand at a time.