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Carlos Alcaraz’s Sleeveless US Open Look Masterminded by $152,000,000,000 Brand Takes the Spaniard Back to Hero Rafael Nadal’s Era of Dominance

Published 08/30/2023, 8:07 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

In the dynamic world of tennis, fashion frequently entwines with contests, carrying an additional layer of interest to the courts. The 2023 US Open saw a striking fashion move by the young rising star Carlos Alcaraz. The outfit gave proper respect to a tennis legend as well as got tongues wagging across the tennis community. The sleeveless attire worn by Alcaraz was something more than a collaboration with a $152,000,000,000 sportswear brand. It was a nod of approval to the dominance embodied by his hero, Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz’s choice of attire evoked memories of Nadal’s famous style, a style that became inseparable from the Spaniard’s unrivaled strength on the court. The sleeveless look, once championed by Nadal, rekindled the spirit of an era when Nadal’s perseverance and power ruled the tennis world.

Carlos Alcaraz’s sleeveless tribute revived Rafael Nadal’s era of dominance at the US Open

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As people discussed the new outfit worn by the 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, he zeroed in on his game. The match showed why he’s rapidly becoming a strong player in tennis. His decision of attire isn’t just about looks; it conveys the historical backdrop of tennis and his journey. In his first match at the US Open, Alcaraz made it clear he implied business. He easily won the main set 6-2 and proceeded with strong play in the second set. Sadly, his rival Dominik Koepfer got injured and needed to resign from the match.

via Reuters

What makes Alcaraz’s sleeveless look much more interesting is the back story behind his decision. In his post-match press conference, he uncovered that he had Rafael Nadal at the forefront of his thoughts for the attire. This reverence for Nadal’s famous style mirrors Alcaraz’s regard for the ‘King of Clay’.

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Alcaraz spoke,”Honestly when I wear the sleeves, I was thinking about Rafa when he wears that. He won that US Open, right? I love to wear that sometimes in some specific tournaments.”

Nike, with its brand value worth more than $152 billion, comprehends the effect of visual cues in the realm of sports. Alcaraz is a Nike-supported competitor, and his clothing is a result of a strategic collaboration between the young Spaniard and the sportswear giant.

The young Spaniard also added, “This year it’s a good, good outfit, so I love it.”

In 2021, Alcaraz expressed that practicing with Rafael Nadal holds a distinct significance compared to practicing with other players.

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Alacraz once shared his admiration for his inactive sessions with Nadal

In 2021, Alcaraz shared his profound admiration for fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal. He had the opportunity to train with Nadal, and the experience remained etched in his memory. Despite having practiced with various players, Alcaraz regarded training with his idol, Nadal, as the pinnacle of his training experiences.

via Getty

Carlos is leaving no stone unturned to emulate Rafa’s younger days. As he continues to influence the game, Alcaraz’s encounters act as a wake-up call to the profound impact that mentorship and motivation can have on a competitor’s direction. The question is: Will Alcaraz get a chance to face off against the King of Clay like he is doing with Djokovic?

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Written by:

Dr Aditya Raveendran Menon

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering several high-profile tournaments and events. With a passion for writing that matches his love for the sport, he has a special interest in covering the activities of tennis legends like Serena Williams and the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Aditya’s interest in tennis started at a young age when his father introduced him to the sport.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar