With an outstanding record of 484–51 (90.5%) on the red dirt, there’s no doubt why Rafael Nadal is called The King of Clay. In fact, if you ask anyone familiar with his game, they will rank clay to be the best surface for him; hard courts follow closely. But grass? The slick, low bouncing surface, for many, was never a good combination with his knee and foot injuries. The records didn’t help either: 79.1% (76-20) on grass; 77.47% (516-150) on hard courts. However, he clarified, “Of course, my game adapted well to the clay, but I loved playing on fast courts… my second-best surface was grass.”

In all honesty, he did play more matches on clay and hard courts to even give grass a chance. But with another Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, making his case, it’s hard to ignore a comparison to a young Nadal who took some time to adjust his game to the fast surface. The former world No. 1 is currently turning heads in the Queen’s Club has brought focus to his work on the grass. He is good on clay; proof lies in his epic French Open triumph in Paris earlier. But the flawless transition to the grass with three wins to his name already in Queen’s Club showcases his mettle on the surface.

On Friday, Alcaraz beat Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in straight 7-5, 6-4 sets in the quarterfinal round, extending his win streak to 16 since last month. For the World No. 2, “Every player is different, with a different style, especially on grass. So, you have to keep learning and getting to know yourself; what suits you and what doesn’t.” Although Alcaraz puts it on learning and experience, former American WTA pro Coco Vandeweghe has revealed what really works in favor of him on grass.

During yesterday’s episode of the Tennis Channel live podcast, One host asked, “Over the last two years, he has absolutely dominated this surface, Coco. Is this something you expected when you first saw him break through at the US Open as a teenager?” Responding, Vandeweghe said: “I think expectations come when you have a Grand Slam. You are expected to not only dominate on the surface you want, but the surface that you are comfortable and not comfortable at. And definitely I think that was the conversation was grass would be his toughest surface. And when we always think of Carlos Alcaraz we think of another great Spaniard in Rafael Nadal and how long it took him to be successful at Wimbledon.

“Granted, he was playing the best grass court player of all time Roger Federer… Andy knows all about that… Playing Fed on grass is tough customer. But I think Carlos just has so much game and less of the technical difficulties that Rafa had. And I think how (Andre) Agassi said it best, his movement is the least compromised on grass compared to the top players in the world that he’s competing against.” 

After turning pro in 2001, it took Nadal seven years to capture his first Wimbledon trophy (2008) over Federer on grass. He initially couldn’t adapt to the surface as compared to clay, where he succeeded most (14 Roland Garros titles). However, improving his baseline play, footwork, forehand, and ability at the net, Rafa found more successes despite having played less on grass. On the other hand, Alcaraz has already won the title at the All England Club twice (2023 and 2024) since turning pro in 2018. So, what’s the difference between their performance on grass? Carlos’ flowy movement and high leaning curve potential, as even admired by eight-time slam king Agassi.

Following Alcaraz’s French Open victory, Agassi claimed, “Alcaraz’s best surface to me, shockingly, would be between here and Wimbledon … I would say grass. Reason I would say grass has nothing to do with his swings. It has to do with the less diminishing speed that happens to him versus other players.”

If the remarkable performances were not enough, Alcaraz has achieved a rare feat this week, further solidifying his growing supremacy on the grass.

Carlos Alcaraz achieves his best win percentage on grass ahead of Wimbledon

For the uninitiated, Carlos Alcaraz has played a total of 30 matches on grass in his ATP career so far. Do you know what his win-loss record is by now? A staggering 27-3. Which means he’s lost only three encounters in his entire career on grass since turning pro. This record also includes his back-to-back Wimbledon victories in 2023 and then 2024. Plus, he’s also won a title at the Queen’s Club – the event he’s currently competing at this week. Back in 2023, he beat Aussie Alex de Minaur in the final with a score line of 6-4, 6-4.

After his quarterfinal win on Friday, the World No.2 has pushed his grass win percentage to a whopping 90. According to Tennis Channel, it’s the best win percentage on grass for any of the 29 No.1 players in ATP rankings history. For the sake of comparison, consider the Big Three.

The 20-time slam king Roger Federer won 192 of his 221 matches on grass, with a win percentage of 86.9. On the other hand, 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic has snatched 120 victories in 140 matches on grass, a win percentage of 85.7. Lastly, Rafael Nadal’s grass stats show that he had a win percentage of just 79.2, with a 76-20 record.

As of now, Alcaraz, a former World No.1 himself, is on top of the list in terms of highest win percentage on grass. It will be intriguing to see if he maintains it going forth and then at the Wimbledon. Do you think he will pull off a three-peat at the All England Club this season? Let us know in the comments below.