Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. Pretty sure you’ve heard both names in one sentence before. The compatriots share a history not unlike, having ascended from a small town to achieving greatness at the sport’s highest level. However, young Carlitos is sort of tired when his name is taken in the same breath as Rafa.

The four-time Major winner had a lopsided season, despite adding two more Slams (French Open and Wimbledon) to his impressive silverware. He suffered a heartbreaking loss to Serbian Novak Djokovic in the gold medal contest at the Paris Olympics. And, what came next was rather dreadful. This defeat did a number on his morale and he couldn’t retain his top form. He sustained back-to-back losses during the North American hardcourt swing, but, bounced back in style for the Asian rubber.

He lifted the China Open title and when it mattered the most, Alcaraz stunned everyone. He exited the ATP Finals in the round-robin eliminator and, hopes for a triumphant conclusion to the year were far from reach. His childhood idol Rafa retired at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga. Moreover, Alcaraz couldn’t fulfill the one thing he wished for – winning the annual group event for the Spanish legend. However, despite such emotional moments, fans have constantly compared Alcaraz’s prowess with the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Ahead of the upcoming season, the former World No. 1 sat with the ATP Tour and answered some intriguing questions. Amongst those, Alcaraz was asked to divulge the most annoying question he was asked this year. “It’s not annoying but I would say the comparison with Rafa.” Alcaraz’s admiration of the Spanish icon is well-documented. Young Carlitos has often spoken on the subject several times and even paired with Rafa for a doubles blockbuster at the Olympics.

The Spaniard recently played in an exhibition event at Madison Square Park before commencing his 2025 campaign. He needed something to take the edge off, especially after he revealed feeling mentally exhausted due to the hectic tour-level commitments this year.

Carlos Alcaraz laments demanding touring schedule post ATP Finals exit

It’s been one of the hottest topics for the year – players lamenting the tour’s overwhelming calendar. High-profile players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Iga Swiatek abundantly addressed the topic and, later, when Carlos Alcaraz faced a tough loss to Norwegian Casper Ruud at the ATP Finals, he was forced to speak up.

While talking to the reporters in Turin, the 21-year-old noted that he felt mentally drained due to the demanding calendar. “I’m tired mentally. Obviously a lot of matches, really tight schedule, really demanding year with not too many days off, not too many period of you could rest, you could practice at home.” However, he vowed to pull his big boy pants and do better in the next season. “I think this year I’m much better than last year, but I have to find a way to performance and deliver good tennis being tired mentally.”

With no more tour-level events lined up for now, Alcaraz will likely recoup and prepare for the upcoming swing. He will take to the court at the Australian hardcourt season in January, aiming to lift the Melbourne Slam.