Nadal’s clarity: from annoyance to asking to stop comparing Carlos Alcaraz

Since Carlos Alcaraz exploded on the big tennis stage at the start of 2020, by winning his first ATP match in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 16, he began to point out as Rafael Nadal’s heir or successor. With every new record broken by Murcian or every new milestone in his career, the comparison to the Majorcan, especially regarding early achievement of important achievements, intensified. And after Carlitos ’win on Sunday at Madrid Masters 1000with victories against Rafa himself and Novak Djokovic, the racket world has not stopped drawing similarities.

Nadal himself gave a big compliment to his compatriot after Sunday’s final and even compared him to Large 3, that group of extraordinary and diverse players that make up Djokovic, Roger Federer and himself. But after beating John Isner in his debut in Rome on Wednesday, the 20-time Grand Slam winner said somewhat disgustedly, that comparisons should stop, especially since he believes they have nothing to do with Alcaraz.

“I don’t know man. And I won’t be able to talk every day about who is going to be or who is stronger at that point. I don’t even remember what I was like myself”he said somewhat disgustedly, when asked by a journalist if he thought the current version of Alcaraz, 19 years old, was better than his of the same age.

“The only thing we can do is enjoy his career. It will be better to stop compared him to me, no matter how interesting it is for them. If he can win 25 Grand Slams it will be great for him and for our country. but let him enjoy his personal career. II enjoyed mine. I’m super happy with the way I was able to manage it. Now it’s his time to manage his career the way he wants, right? We can’t spend all the time thinking about how it is and how it is now. “Rafael added.

And continued: “He’s what he is. He’s fantastic. Probably in 2005, I wouldn’t say I was good, but I think I was pretty good. But different times, different races, different approaches to things because the weather is changing. Let’s just enjoy that. Let’s not put pressure on him. And every time I’m asked I will say the same. I’m super happy to have a wonderful player like him in our country. Super talented he in our sport .. Actually, in a selfish way, as a spectator, to have someone like Carlos, who we will have the opportunity to enjoy for many years, is great. But now I continue to play and I am focused on mine. “.

He was only seen in court earlier. Because number 4 in the world didn’t give Isner a chance and sent him off an hour and just 16 minutes with a resounding 6-3 and 6-1.

So, he got into the round of 16, where he would face the Canadian Denis Shapovalovseeded on the 13th, and extended an impressive consecutive match: never in his career has he lost a consecutive match against clay, a surface on which he has hardly lost 44 matches. at the ATP level.

It was a stunning victory for the Mallorcan, who recently fell in the Madrid quarterfinals against Alcaraz, in a tournament that marked his return to the courts after spending six weeks out of play due to a stress crack in one of his ribs. , who suffered. in Indian Wells.

And even though the rivalry against Isner left him feeling very good, Rafa made sure that the chance to add his 11th title to the Foro Italico was not his big goal for this week.

“I’ve spoken very clearly since I came back. I’m in a bit of a hurry, because I need to find the best feeling as soon as possible and recover the things I lost due to injury. Work as hard as I can. Be prepared within. a few weeks “he commented that it was all directed at Roland Garros, where he would seek his 14th trophy and the 21st in a Grand Slam.

“Of course, priority now is the next game. But at the same time, in the medium term, in the long term, I need to keep going. The only way to give myself the chance to get back to the level that I want to get back , or I want to catch up, is work. For me now, it’s about improving every day, getting better and better. This is what I do. “He added.

Great favorites, uninterrupted

Nadal is not just one of the top favorites to be celebrated this Wednesday in Rome. In addition to Alexander Zverev, second seed, who dropped Sebastián Báez in a very good fight for the Argentine; Stefanos Tsitsipas, fourth, also entered the round of 16.

The Greek, number five in the rankings, needed three sets and two hours and 37 minutes to beat Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, 20th in the standings, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4). His next rival was the Russian Karen Khachanovcompeting without a flag due to penalties against his country for the invasion of Ukraine and defeating Spain 6-4, 2-6 and 6-1 Pablo Carreno Busta15th seed.

The other winners of the day were the Americans Jenson Brooksbywho defeated Belgian David Goffin 6-0, 7-6 (7-1), and Australian Alex De Minaurwho won 7-5, 6-4 against another American Tommy Paul.

This Thursday all quarterfinal duels will be played.