Carlos Alcaraz could not help his illustrious compatriot Rafael Nadal in the last event of his legendary career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had hoped to end his last-dance style at the Davis Cup Finals last week, but Spain’s run in Malaga already ended in the quarter-finals against a great Netherlands.

After Rafa’s defeat in the first singles against Botic van de Zandschulp, the 21-year-old from Murcia had put the situation back on level terms by defeating Tallon Griekspoor and had postponed the outcome of the tie to the decisive doubles. However, the Dutch pair had used their experience to prevail thanks to two tiebreaks and reach the semifinals with full merit.

Spain’s premature elimination also had negative repercussions on Nadal’s farewell ceremony, which did not live up to expectations and generated controversy all over the world. Carlitos paid tribute to Rafa, repeating that he was the main role model who pushed him to approach tennis when he was very young.

The 4-time Grand Slam champion has all the skills to become the natural heir to Nadal and to allow Spain to be successful in the next 10-15 years. The current world number 3 has already won a lot for a player of just 21 years old, but he can still work on some aspects to become unstoppable.

Alcaraz’s game at 21 is much more complete than Rafa’s at the same age, which is why Carlos has already won Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces showing a versatility that has very few equals in the history of the sport. However – unlike his illustrious compatriot – Alcaraz does not have the ability to remain consistent throughout the season and his intensity tends to drop even within the same match.

Precisely for this reason, the 21-year-old from Murcia ended 2024 in third position in the ATP rankings behind Jannik Sinner and Sascha Zverev. The German champion has not touched Carlitos’ peaks this season, but he has been much more consistent and has reached at least the round of 16 in all the Masters 1000 he has played.

Mats Wilander’s suggestion

During an interview with Eurosport, former ATP star Mats Wilander revealed in what aspect a legend like Nadal could help Alcaraz in the future: “It is very possible that Nadal will return as a coach. I can even imagine him coaching Alcaraz.

Although Carlos has one of the best now, Juan Carlos Ferrero, he lacks the ability to maintain the same intensity throughout a match. Nadal was able to maintain that concentration, so I can see the value he could bring.

Either way, Nadal will be involved in thinking about tennis, either as a coach or as a commentator, and that is very valuable. He could even become the Davis Cup captain in the future.”

While Rafa is dedicating himself to his passions and watched the football match between Real Madrid and Liverpool live, Alcaraz is spending a few days of vacation with his brother Alvaro in the Dominican Republic. The current world No. 3 will soon move to New York, where he will play an exhibition match with Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden next week.

Carlitos will start preparation soon

The Spaniard has already said that he wants to work very some aspects of his game during the pre-season, which he will do in Spain together with Juan Carlos Ferrero. Carlos will leave for Australia after Christmas and will not play any official tournaments before the 2025 Australian Open, which begins on January 12 at Melbourne Park.

The 4-time Grand Slam champion has struggled in Australia in recent years and was unable to participate in the 2023 edition due to an injury sustained during the pre-season. The young Spaniard was defeated by Sascha Zverev in the quarterfinals in January this year, missing an important opportunity to win the tournament.

In 2025, Alcaraz will absolutely have to limit the number of ups and downs during the season. Sinner’s distance in the ATP ranking is already very wide and could get bigger and bigger if Carlos doesn’t reverse course soon.

On her official X profile, former Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs talked about Carlitos’ shot selection: “Sometimes Carlos just doesn’t lock it down. He still has a tendency to go for a mental wander. Shots selections are questionable. Don’t worry though y’all he’s still incredible and will win many many majors but on these faster courts not getting free points on serve also hurts him. Anyway, well done the oatmeal stallion.”

It’s no secret that the Spaniard messes up on the court at times and ends up giving his opponents too many chances.