Who is the next big thing in the tennis world? This has been the question of the hour for quite some time. When it comes to representing Spain on maps of the tennis world, there has been only one name that first comes to our mind – Rafael Nadal. But who’s next after Nadal? Recently, the 37-year-old has himself praised Carlos Alcaraz, talking about his ‘marvelous physique’ and hard work. 

Both Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz recently attended a press conference before stepping onto the court for the exhibition match at the Netflix Slam. The countdown has already started, in just a few hours, the ball will start to roll at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Let’s hear out what Rafael Nadal said about his opponent from Murcia.

‘He is a special player’- Rafael Nadal on Carlos Alcaraz

Both of them have met each other three times on the ATP Tour. Currently, Nadal leads their H2H with a 2-1 margin. However, both of them are coming back from an injury. Who’ll get the upper hand in this exhibition match in Las Vegas? Well, despite their competitive nature, they have never shied away from expressing their admiration for each other. During the interview, Nadal said although he has spent very little time with Alcaraz, he believes “Carlos has a youth that gives you many things and that is the most important thing.“

Nadal believes Carlos Alcaraz has the right amount of energy, passion, and self-confidence that can help him face important moments with little fear. Fears? Well, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said, “You develop fears over the years, or at least it has been my experience. When you start, everything is new and you have experienced few bad things.” 

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However, he believes, “Alcaraz is fresh air for tennis and he is a special player because for his age he is one of the most complete I have seen. He has all the records, in addition to a marvelous physique. He is where he deserves and, on top of that, he works hard.“

Netflix Slam: Who Is Likely To Win Between Rafael Nadal And Carlos Alcaraz?

Even in an interview a few days earlier, Nadal called him a ‘super complete’ player. He further went on to add that he had a much worse serve, volley, slice, and backhand than Carlos Alcaraz at his age. Did Carlos Alcaraz ever reflect on his love and admiration for the Spanish tennis legend?

‘Rafa was my hero’- Alcaraz

Last year during an interview at the Cincinnati Open, Carlos Alcaraz said, “Rafa was my hero when I was young and started playing tennis. To watch his matches and his finals, lifting the best trophies in the world.” No wonder he’s so excited to step onto the court yet again against his idol on Sunday.

During the Brisbane Internationals, Alcaraz’s excitement got to a new level as he saw Rafael Nadal after a long absence from competitive tennis due to a hip injury. He took to social media to express his joy and wrote, “What a joy to see you again on track Rafa!“

But this comeback journey didn’t last long as Nadal had to withdraw from the AO and the Middle East swing due to a hip injury he suffered at Brisbane. Even here, Alcaraz didn’t forget to express his emotions for Rafael Nadal. He wrote, “We are waiting for you in the next Rafa tournament! Get well soon!” 

Guess what? He’s back and ready to take on Alcaraz at the Netflix Slam. How excited are you with the comeback of both these Spanish superstars? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

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