Carlos Alcaraz is considered by many as the heir to Rafael Nadal in Spanish tennis after the retirement of the legend at the 2024 Davis Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)
Carlos Alcaraz grew up watching Rafael Nadal dominate the tennis world, and the youngster has always expressed his admiration for his compatriot. Nadal has had an enormous impact on Spanish tennis and on December 23, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) released a video in which several tennis stars expressed their admiration for the King of Clay.
When Nadal was at the twilight of his career, Alcaraz started making headlines. He was touted by many to be the next big thing in tennis and the heir to Nadal in Spanish tennis. Now that Nadal has retired, Alcaraz will be trying to follow in his footsteps.
Rafa was my idol, one of the reasons I started playing tennis. He was a great role model, and obviously, I tried to follow in his footsteps since I was little. I always put him up there, as the best athlete that I always looked up to. As a kid, we always have someone, someone that you try to follow in your footsteps.
Carlos Alcaraz said in the video
Alcaraz wanted to play against his idol, and his wish was fulfilled when they met in the 2021 Madrid Open. He lost that match and after another defeat, Alcaraz finally defeated his idol in the 2022 Madrid Open.
You train, try to improve, and you set yourself the goal of one day playing against him, being close to him, sharing the locker room and tournaments with him. I did it, and it made me happy. He motivated me to do my best since I was little, I wanted to play against him.
Carlos Alcaraz added
Alcaraz and Nadal also paired up for doubles at the Paris Olympics. They reached the quarterfinals but lost to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the US.
Carlos Alcaraz eying Rafael Nadalâs record in 2025
When Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open in 2024, he broke the record of Rafael Nadal by becoming the youngest player to win Majors on all surfaces. Alcarazâs first Grand Slam victory was at the 2022 US Open and he doubled the tally in the 2023 Wimbledon.
The 21-year-old then won the French Open and defended the Wimbledon in 2024. One Major heâs yet to win is the Australian Open, where he has never reached the semifinals, and tennis experts believe he struggles in Melbourne because of the fast courts.
If he wins the tournament next year, he will complete the Career Grand Slam. By doing so, he will surpass Nadal to become the youngest man to accomplish the feat. The 38-year-old, after his win at the 2010 US Open, achieved the Career Grand Slam at the age of 24.
