Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (FirstPost)
Carlos Alcaraz has taken the tennis World by storm, displaying immense maturity to go with consistent performances at a tender age of 18
Carlos Alcaraz is often compared to his idol, Rafael Nadal. Spanish, strong on clay surfaces – too much in common isn’t it? Well, there is definitely something more to it. The potential, the talent and the precise execution, Alcaraz has it in abundance. When you watch Alcaraz play, you can definitely relate him to Nadal in the early stages of his career.
Alcaraz has been considered the next big thing in tennis for quite some time now. Is it finally time for Alcaraz to put his name for reckoning along with the big boys?
Alcaraz won the Rio Open last month. The tournament was played on a clay surface, a good warm up event leading to the Roland Garos which is played on clay surface. Alcaraz became the youngest ever ATP 500 champion after defeating Diego Schwartzmann 6-4, 6-2 in the final. Alcaraz however would need to be careful about his fitness leading to the second Grand Slam of the year.
The Spaniard withdrew from the next event, the Acapulco Open in Mexico owing to a niggle he suffered post the Rio Open. With a packed schedule, he would look to ensure he stays fit and on top of his game going into the French Open. And, of course, there can’t be a better morale booster than winning an ATP-1000 event – the 2022 Miami Open. Can Alcaraz pull it off?
The tennis community often draws similarities between Alcaraz and Nadal. However, the teenager himself has admitted that although his idol is Rafael Nadal, his gameplay is similar to that of Roger Federer. Speaking to the media, Alcaraz had revealed what he feels about his own technique, gameplay and characteristics.
“I started playing when I was four and I watched the best from an early age. Rafa, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. When I started playing, I always watched their games. I’ve always had an idol who is Rafa. During all these years I have followed him a lot. Then as I grow up, in terms of playing style, I look a little more like Federer”, explained the teenager.
Alcaraz has mentioned about having a similar playing style as Federer in the past as well. In an earlier interaction, Alcaraz said, “Honestly, I don’t copy any style of other players – I just play my game. But, if I have to say one player that has similar game, I think it’s Federer. I think my game is similar to him, trying to be aggressive all the time with backhand, forehand. I think I have to improve the serve a little bit but I feel the rest is similar.”
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