"Rafa is not my enemy" - Alcaraz on fighting for no. 1 spot with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz has spoken about the direct race between himself and compatriot Rafael Nadal for the coveted year-end World No. 1, in an exclusive interview with Eurosport.

While the reigning US Open Champion has acknowledged that his long-time idol Nadal is within touching distance of overtaking Alcaraz at the top of the rankings, the current World No. 1 insists that there is nothing bad-natured about their rivalry.

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When asked if he’s in a direct fight with Nadal for the No. 1 spot, the teenager replied, “I don’t see it that way. It’s true, Rafa is fighting for the No. 1. Some players have the same goal - to be No. 1, so I need to do my best...outside the court we [Rafa and I] are colleagues, at least it’s the way I see it... Rafa is not my enemy. I say hello, I don’t see that competition. With the rest of the players, it’s the same. Beyond that relationship I’ll try to keep being No. 1.”

Nadal is currently fewer than 1000 points behind his young compatriot. With Alcaraz having points dropping off his ranking following this year's Paris Masters - having made the third round last time out - and Nadal coming into the tournament with only points to gain, a good run in the French capital for the Spanish veteran could potentially see him leapfrog Alcaraz.

But Carlos is not focusing on hypotheticals, choosing instead to be proud of his phenomenal achievements this season and maintain the same mindset that has given fruit to such success - “I am enjoying this moment so far. I keep working, my life is still the same, I’m still the same kid, same player. Just keep practising, keep improving.”

However the next few weeks pan out, it has been a sensational year for the young Spaniard.

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