Carlos Alcaraz has been compared to Rafael Nadal and there are plenty of reasons why that comparison was made.
The Spaniard emerged just as Nadal's career was basically entering its conclusive stages. He doesn't play similarly to Nadal even though many have made that comparison including Djokovic who played both. The Spaniard himself doesn't really enjoy comparisons with Nadal or any other player because he wants to create his own legacy.
He wants to be the first Carlos Alcaraz even though many insist that he will be the new Nadal. It's hard not to make that comparison because the succession in Spanish tennis on the ATP Tour is just too incredible to ignore. Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez talked about the significance of that recently and it's only logical that people will compare them.
Alcaraz asked people to stop but if he keeps replacing him in the record books or better his milestones then it likely won't stop. There is one he couldn't improve upon and it's the win rate in ATP finals before turning 21.
Nadal's ascension to the top of tennis came early and quickly in his tennis career. He racked up trophies easily and much of that had to do with the length of the clay season. From the moment he became a pro, Nadal was almost unbeatable on clay.
Even though Alcaraz wasn't able to replace Nadal's legendary win rate in ATP finals, he did manage to put his name right behind him. The Spaniard is now number two on the list with 78.6 % which is better than Djokovic, Hewitt, and Roddick. Nadal is still on top with 84.6 %.
Win percentage in ATP finals before 21 (10 finals at least):
1. Nadal 84.6 %
2. Alcaraz 78.6 %
3. Djokovic 76.9 %
4. Hewitt 76.5 %
5. Roddick 73.3 %
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