Carlos Alcaraz plays down Rafa comparisons, expects "difficult" 2023

| by Jamie Malachy

Carlos Alcaraz has dismissed any suggestions that his young career is similar to Rafael Nadal's.

The young Spaniard has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season, winning his first two Masters 1000 titles, winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open and securing the year-end No. 1 spot. With that, he becomes the youngest ever season-ending World No. 1.

Alcaraz finishes year as no. 1 ahead of Nadal; Djokovic jumps to 5th
Alcaraz finishes year as no. 1 ahead of Nadal; Djokovic jumps to 5th

These early achievements have led some to draw comparisons between himself and his fellow Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, who also won his first Grand Slam at the tender age of 19.

Alcaraz says that he turns "a deaf ear" to these comparisons, though.

Speaking to a press conference in recent days, the young Spaniard said, "There is no point in comparing. It doesn't matter that now I am world No. 1, Rafa's entire career counts for a lot. It is a pleasure, for every tennis lover, to see Rafa on the court".

He added that he is trying to "regain strength before returning to the court". Alcaraz is currently recovering from an abdominal injury that kept him out of at the ATP Finals in Turin at the season's close.

But he remains optimistic about next season, despite the challenges he know lie ahead.

On 2023, the World No. 1 said,"The season is going to be difficult because I am going to start as the favourite and there is going to be a lot of pressure on me. But I try to keep the good part and see that all this does not go to my head. In the end, beating your idols is an incredible achievement. I try to take it normally and never forget that whatever happens in the future, I have to enjoy tennis and play at my level".

While Alcaraz is currently not signed up to play at the United Cup at the turn of the new season, his attention turns primarily to being fit and ready for the Australian Open, where he will play his first major as the World No. 1.

First time in history two non-Americans from same country finish as top two
First time in history two non-Americans from same country finish as top two

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