Carlos Alcaraz promises to make “his own history” amid Nadal comparisons

Carlos Alcaraz wants to build “his own history” amid Rafael Nadal comparisons

Carlos Alcaraz has echoed the sentiments of his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, hinting that he is not interested in Rafael Nadal comparisons after defending his title in Barcelona.

Alcaraz beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 to retain his Barcelona Open crown and win his third ATP title of the season and ninth of his career.

The 19-year-old’s success, particularly in Barcelona, ​​has seen Alcaraz often compared to Nadal, who his Grand Slam-winning coach has previously said he “doesn’t like” because it puts pressure on his player.

Alcaraz seems to have echoed that sentiment after his last win yesterday, as I’ve always said more than once, I don’t want to take power from anyone.

Nadal has been sidelined with injury since the Australian Open and will therefore miss the event where he is a 12-time champion for the second consecutive year.

Although Alcaraz insists he is “lucky” to have won the title, he suggested he would prefer Nadal to take part in the biggest events.

Speaking of this week, it’s been two years since Rafa hasn’t been there, I’ve been lucky, or let’s say I don’t win the championship. But as I’ve always said, I’ve always wanted to play against the best,” the US Open champion said.

Alcaraz continued: It’s a shame we haven’t been able to enjoy Rafa in the last two years. Let’s hope he continues to play for a long time and we can enjoy his tennis, but obviously we are not here to take over from anyone, but to build our own history.

The Spaniard now heads to Madrid, where he is also the defending champion and top seed, and has commented on his ambitions for the Masters 1000 event on home soil.

We always go into every tournament thinking we can win and try to do our best. Not winning against Madrid would not be a failure for me, it depends on the level I show and the matches, Alcaraz said.

ATP No. 2 added: All the players are very good, they can all win the championship and they can beat me. For me, failure would depend on the level I show and the way I play.

Carlos Alcaraz and his way to defend the title of Madrid

Alcarazi became the first man to beat Nadal and Novak Djokovic back-to-back on clay last year in Madrid, before defeating defending champion Alexander Zverev in the final.

Here’s his potential path to retaining the title this year (based on rankings):

First Round –Greetings received

Second floor –Emil Ruusuvuori

Third Round –Grigor Dimitrov (26)

Fourth Round –Alexander Zverev (13)

Quarter Final –Andrei Rublev (5)

Semi-Finals – Casper Ruud (3)

Final – Daniel Medvedev (2)

The Madrid Open and the Italian Open are the last two events Alcaraz will compete in before heading to Paris for the second major tournament of the year.

Roland Garros is a clear short-term goal, Alcaraz said. – This is a tournament I really want to win, but at the moment we are focusing on Madrid and Rome.

Join >>Receive $700/$600 in tennis gear from Tennishead CLUB

Social >>Facebook,Twitter&YouTube

Read >>The world’s best tennis magazine

Trade >>The cheapest tennis equipment from our reliable partner