The similarities between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, another legendary Spanish tennis player, are unavoidable and might potentially “hinder his career”.
Former Dutch player Richard Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon men’s singles champion, sent the message.
Alcaraz won his second major championship at Wimbledon last year, following his victory at the US Open in 2022.
Although the seasoned Nadal has over 22 grand slam victories under his belt, two more than the dependable and merciless Novak Djokovic, the two Spaniards are still frequently compared.
About the similarities between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, Krajicek stated, “If he starts to think about it, live up to it, or try to beat it, then it will hinder his career.”
“He identified himself as Carlos Alcaraz, and he is not the next Rafael Nadal. Being a legend, Rafael Nadal will take any necessary action.
“I don’t think he feels under pressure to accomplish this or that because he won two grand slams and is ranked one. He’s come a long way already.
“He’s playing for the love of the game, and I don’t think he has too much to prove. He’s going to win a lot more Grand Slams, and he’s going to be number one.”
Alcaraz is an athletic, dynamic right-hander with the raw power and deft control to be a threat to major league contenders for the next 10 or so years.
But Krajicek claims that what’s most amazing about Alcaraz is his love for the game.
“Everything about this game appeals to me. He’s fast and has good physical attributes, and I really like his approach to the game. He continued, “He’s incredibly humble and capable, just like Rafa.
“He is a talented player who can play from the base. He has a strong forehand and a deft touch when dropping in a drop shot. He is a skilled volleyer. Yes, and he’s a huge fan of the game.
“They were competing for the top spot in the world when he played in the US Open, and that was a pretty significant moment. Alcaraz lost the point in a single set, but it was an incredible point, and he grinned at his box, saying, “Wow, I just played a great point and I love this game.”
“At that point, I turned into a fan. “Wow, you really love this game,” I think to myself. That’s wonderful to see, then.
