Carlos Alcaraz represents the pinnacle of men’s tennis in Spain.
The world number two, who recently lost in the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner, already has seven Grand Slams to his name at 22 years old.
However, Alcaraz is far from the only young Spanish talent on the ATP Tour.
Do you believe Carlos Alcaraz is already the greatest tennis player of all time?
Two names in particular have stood out to Alcaraz, who offered his thoughts on the matter during a press conference in Barcelona after beating Otto Virtanen.
Carlos Alcaraz is impressed by Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce
Rafael Jodar has quickly emerged as the next Spanish star on the ATP Tour.
The 19-year-old, who only turned professional this year, has risen nearly 300 places in the ATP Rankings over the past year and is now ranked 55th on the ATP Tour.
Jodar recently won his first ATP Tour event in Marrakech, beating 36-year-old Marco Trungelliti in the final.
The youngster, who looks destined for the ATP top 10, has continued to perform superbly in Barcelona, as demonstrated by his 6-1, 6-2 victory over compatriot Jaume Munar.
Carlos Alcaraz knows Jodar well, having practiced with the youngster at the Davis Cup and Australian Open.
“To be honest, Rafa is a great player,” Alcaraz said of Jodar during his post-match press conference in Barcelona. “I’ve been following him, and I think he’s entered the circuit very quickly.
“I already saw what he was capable of when he was a Davis Cup sparring partner. Then, in Australia this year, I was able to play a practice set with him, so I could see his level even more.
“What he’s achieved since Australia has been impressive.
“I’m so happy for him because he seems like an exceptional guy, both on and off the court, with incredible values and, above all, very calm off the court. I wish him all the best.
“Whenever he’s played well, won a tournament, or gotten a good result, I try to congratulate him, and I’m very happy for him.”
Alcaraz also noted the progress of Martín Landaluce – another high-flying Spaniard.
Landaluce, also 19, recently defeated Luciano Darderi, Karen Khachanov and Sebastian Korda on his way to the Miami Open quarter-finals.
Landaluce, unlike Jodar, has exited the Barcelona Open in the first round. He was defeated 5-7, 2-6 by Italian second seed, Lorenzo Musetti.
“I think it also helps him [Jodar] a lot that he has very young players his age, like Landaluce, who is also an impressive player in my opinion,” Alcaraz continued. “I had the opportunity to train with him before I went to Monte Carlo.
“I think the two of them will help each other to keep improving and reach the top; he has a great future.”
Rafael Jodar’s Barcelona Open draw
After comfortably defeating Munar, Jodar will play Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the Barcelona Open second round.
If Jodar advances past Ugo Carabelli, he will play Ethan Quinn or seventh-seeded Briton Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals.
Should Jodar advance to the semi-finals, he will likely face Lorenzo Musetti, who is playing only his second event since returning from a long-term injury.
If the young Spaniard were to do the unthinkable and reach the final in Barcelona, he could face compatriot Carlos Alcaraz – a two-time winner of the event.
Should Carlos Alcaraz hire another coach after his recent results?
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Of course, reaching the final is easier said than done. However, Jodar’s chances have certainly been boosted: he has avoided playing fourth seed Karen Khachanov after the Russian was defeated by Ugo Carabelli in the Barcelona Open first round.
