Yesterday, at the Croatia Open final, 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz upset Frenchman Richard Gasquet to win his maiden ATP title. Afterwards, the veteran player remarked whether the teenager is as good as his idol Rafael Nadal.

Given the recent success on the ATP Tour, Carlos has found many admirers already. Naturally, tennis experts even started to compare him with the 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

After losing the final to the young Spaniard, even the former World No.7 opened up on the subject. According to Gasquet, no one could better Rafa, but he believes Carlos has a game of the greats.

Dominic Stricker Beats Compatriot Roger Federer’s Record After Winning Doubles Title at ATP Gstaad Open 2021

Richard Gasquet on comparison between friend Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Reaching his first ATP final in three years, Gasquet lost a one-sided match 6-2, 6-2. Unquestionably, this would mark as the first title of many to come for Alcaraz.

Besides, Gasquet and Nadal started their tennis career together as 12-year-olds. Hence, despite being rivals on the court, they are good friends and admirers of one another.

Trending

‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Nail-Biting Madrid Final Forces Chris Evert to Break Her Long-Drawn Silence With a Stirring Message

May 04, 2024 10:39 PM EDT

Coco Gauff Soars to New Heights With $5.3 Billion Worth Sponsor as She Announces Delightful Sneaker Surprise for Fans

May 04, 2024 07:30 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On

May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Golf-Obsessed Husband Alexis Ohanian Can’t Contain His Excitement for Tiger Woods’ TGL as 8 Months Countdown Is Underway

May 04, 2024 11:01 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Thus, it only made sense to learn from him if there’s a thread that connects the 18-year-old to the 13-time French Open champion. Although he sided with his friend, Gasquet oversaw a bright future for the Umag champion.

“Nobody can compare to Rafa, but Carlos gonna be very, very good. Technically he is great.” Gasquet said.

Earlier, at the Madrid Open 2021, Carlos celebrated his 18th birthday competing with Rafa on clay. While the teenager lost that match 6-1, 6-2, it will remain one of the most memorable matches of his career.

After that match, even the ‘King of Clay’ Nadal had said a few kind words for World No.55. “He is a great tennis player and has clear things and very good values, which is something that this society needs,” he said.

Watch this story: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Others Emotional Moments at Olympic Games

What’s next for Alcaraz and Nadal in 2021?

Following Umag triumph, Alcaraz will travel to Kitzbuhel for the Austrian Open. Indeed, he would look forward to continuing his success there.

On the other side, Nadal will return to the tennis tour after his French Open loss at the Citi Open in Washington D.C. The tournament will begin on August 2, 2021.

Do you want to see an Alcaraz-Nadal battle again at the US Open 2021?

Novak Djokovic Reacts After Receiving Love and Appreciation From Other Athletes at Tokyo Olympics 2020