Rafael Nadal has been a true flag bearer of his nation for a number of years. During his career, there have been many prominent names that have emerged from his country, Spain. However, there has been a new talent on the rise who has been grabbing headlines this season. 

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz has registered impressive results this season and due to the success he has earned in his short spell, he has been compared to Rafael Nadal. Recently, the teenager lost to French tennis player Hugo Gaston. Going by Carlos’ form this season, that result was a disappointment. 

Taking note of his comparison to Rafa, former coach of Andy Murray and Maria Sakkari, Mark Petchey spoke on the topic and stated, “So I see Carlos Alcaraz already suffering from the comparison to Rafael Nadal. A once in a species (not even a generation) talent like Rafa and the next great player Spain gets compared as to whether he is going to be as great as Rafa. What an absolute joke and lazy take.” [h/t express.co.uk]

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Unfair to compare Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal 

The former coach who is now a pundit, slammed the comparison. To make a youngster always hear that he is going to be the next Rafa is encouraging, but at the same time, brings tremendous pressure with it. The use of social media in today’s world can lead to unwanted criticism. 

Coming to tennis, Carlos and Rafa played this season in Madrid. It was Rafa who ended up winning the match in straight sets. That day happened to be the youngster’s birthday as well and he cut his birthday cake in Nadal’s presence. It was a wholesome moment that the fans enjoyed. 

At the moment, Alcaraz’s season has come to an end as he crashed out of the Rolex Paris Masters 2021. Rafa ended his season due to a foot injury and is looking forward to the 2022 season. We wish him a speedy recovery. 

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