Top
Carlos Alcaraz Nadal
ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Tennis News

‘I don’t pay any attention’, says Carlos Alcaraz on Rafa Nadal comparisons


Carlos Alcaraz said training with his idol Rafael Nadal was “unforgettable”, but that he pays no attention to being compared to the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

The world No. 133 reached the second round of the Andalucia Open in Marbella on Tuesday after beating Serbian qualifier Nikola Milojevic in straight sets. Spanish 17-year-old Alcaraz is a wildcard at the ATP 250 tournament.

“I don’t pay any attention to people who have high expectations of me, who say that if I’m going to be the next Nadal,” Alcaraz told Marca prior to the event.

“I try to stay out of that kind of comment. I focus on myself, my work and my team.”

Alcaraz also discussed practising with Nadal at the Australian Open in February, and the prospect of training with Novak Djokovic.

“All players are good at training, but it is always more special to do it with your idol, which in my case is Rafa (Nadal),” the Spaniard added.

“It was an unforgettable, unique experience that I will always keep. I miss him (Djokovic) and many more that I am also excited to play with.”


By
1

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.