Carlos Alcaraz, a young Spanish talent, has spoken out about Rafael Nadal’s retirement, insisting that his renowned teammate would be a difficult act to follow.
Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time Wimbledon champion, has claimed that he does not view himself as a candidate to succeed Rafael Nadal at the top of the sport.
While Alcaraz has had an impressive start to his professional tennis career, the young talent has chosen to remain modest, even in the face of incredible success. In addition to winning back-to-back titles at SW19, the Spanish star has also won the US Open and the French Open, bringing his total of grand slams to four at the age of 21.
Nadal called time on his career recently and bowed out with 22 majors. However, Alcaraz has recently stated that, despite Nadal’s success being his inspiration in tennis, he said that doesn’t see himself as his successor as he would never manage to eclipse his compatriot.
Speaking to Mohamed Bouhafsi on French television show ‘C à vous’ about the comparison between the two players, Alcaraz lamented Nadal’s absence from the game. He also modestly insisted he is not the man to step into the shoes of the Spanish icon.
“Rafa’s retirement is a shame for Spanish sports, for sports in general, for me,” he said. “I grew up watching Rafa and he is one of the reasons why I wanted to become a professional tennis player. He inspired me to keep training, to keep fighting, and I thank him for that.
“I don’t want to see myself as Rafa’s replacement, I come out losing because of everything he has done for tennis, for sports in Spain.”
Alcaraz, like Nadal, has shown his fondness for the French Open. Nadal holds the record for the most Roland Garros triumphs, having won 14 in Paris.
Alcaraz has claimed that the tournament holds a particular “place in his heart” because he won in Paris this year by defeating German Alexander Zverev in an exciting match.
