Carlos Alcaraz has insisted that he does not view himself as Rafael Nadal's replacement, following ever growing comparisons between the teenage Spaniard and his veteran countryman.
In the wake of his first-ever title defence, Alcaraz was asked by media at this post-match press conference about whether or not he feels like the rightful heir to Nadal's Roland Garros throne, as the 19-year-old established himself as the firm favourite for the title in Paris at the end of May. However, Alcaraz was quick to dismiss this idea.
I don't want to be anyone's replacement. In the two years that Rafa hasn't been here, I've been lucky or, let's say, I've won the title.
The US Open champion was typically respectful in his response, implying that a large factor in him being able to defend the title in Barcelona was due to the absence of the 12-time champion.
Alcaraz also insisted that he does not want to be viewed as anyone's replacement, and is trying to forge his own identity with his own unique brand of tennis.
Always wishing to test himself and push his abilities, Alcaraz is keen for a return to the tour for both Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who recently pulled out of the Madrid Open this week due to an elbow injury.
I've always wanted to play against the best, it's a shame that we haven't been able to enjoy Rafa these last two years. Let's hope he continues to play for a long time and that we can enjoy his tennis, but obviously we are not here to take over from anyone, but to build our own history.
Alcaraz will next play at the Madrid Open, which begins this week, where he will be aiming to defend a title for only the second time in his career, and twice in succession.
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