Carlos Alcaraz admits he does his best to block out comparisons to his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal. The teenager grew up watching the icon for the majority of his career, as he carved out a legacy as one of the greatest tennis players to ever pick up a racket.
His French Open record of over 100 wins, three losses and 14 titles is absolutely astronomical, and he is also the record holder for the most number of Grand Slams. He has been a pioneer for Spanish tennis and blazed a trail for the likes of Alcaraz to follow.
The 19-year-old has already begun to forge his own path however, including a breakout year that saw him capture his first major at the US Open, and become the youngest player to be the year-end number one. The trajectory of both players’ careers is constantly compared, and though inspired by Nadal’s achievements, Alcaraz turns a “deaf ear” to the comparisons with the Majorca native.
