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Carlos Alcaraz: ‘Rafael Nadal is not my enemy in world number one battle’


Carlos Alcaraz does not see the fight to be world number one as a duel between himself and compatriot Rafael Nadal.

The 19-year-old made history after claiming the US Open to become the youngest man ever to top the ATP rankings. However, he has not yet guaranteed the status of year-end world number one, with world number two Nadal poised as his closest challenger in that regard.

“I don’t see it that way,” Alcaraz told Eurosport when asked if he is fighting with Nadal for the number one ranking. “It’s true, Rafa is fighting for the number one. Some players have the same goal, to be number one, so I need to do my best.

“Outside the court [Rafa and I] are colleagues, at least it’s the way I see it. Rafa is not my enemy. I say hello, I don’t see that competition. With the rest of the players, it’s the same. Beyond that relationship I’ll try to keep being number one.”

Alcaraz was honoured as the youngest world number one in ATP history with a special ceremony at the Paris Masters. He leads the tour 6,650 ranking points, with Nadal trailing on 5,820 points.

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