Carlos Alcaraz Stunningly Predicted To Win More Grand Slams Than Rafael Nadal
NewsThursday, 17 April 2025 at 00:58
Tennis legend Bjorn Borg has given Carlos Alcaraz a ringing endorsement by saying he thinks the 21-year-old will win more Grand Slams than Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz idolized Nadal as a child and credits him as one of the key figures behind his playing professional tennis. Now that Nadal is retired, many view the world No. 2 as his successor.
Despite Alcaraz's stunning early career success, he has much work ahead to match or better Nadal's achievements. The 38-year-old won 22 Grand Slams, including 14 titles at Roland Garros, second only to Novak Djokovic in ATP history.
Alcaraz's current total of four puts him 18 majors behind Nadal. He will try to move another step closer at Roland Garros next month, with the Spaniard one of several top players on the men's singles entry list.
Borg worked alongside Alcaraz and Nadal as Team Europe's Laver Cup captain. That experience and the 11-time Grand Slam champion's sharp understanding of the sport leave him perfectly placed to compare Alcaraz to his legendary compatriot.
In an interview with RTVE, Borg did not hide his admiration for Alcaraz. He thinks the young ATP star will end his career with more Grand Slams than Nadal, especially because he flourishes on every surface.
"Alcaraz. I think he wants to achieve what Rafa did. He's still very young, he's an unbelievable, and I think and hope he's going to win more Grand Slams, and I think he will win more Grand Slams."
"He has the right mentality, he can play on any surface, he's been No. 1. I hope, this year, he wins at least one Grand Slam. I'm going to keep watching him because I like the guy."
Borg's words might raise expectations on Alcaraz's shoulders even more. Many expect him to finish his career as one of the greatest in the sport's history, but opinions differ on how much he could achieve and whether it is wise to compare him to greats from the past and present.
Nadal does not think it is wise to compare Alcaraz and the ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to him, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. He would prefer the media to let them develop at their own pace.
Alcaraz's recent comments indicate he wants to focus on his game and not think about other players. The Spaniard had a mathematical chance of overtaking Jannik Sinner at No. 1 due to his rival's suspension that started on February 9th and lasts until May 4th.
The four-time Grand Slam champion admitted he struggled with the pressure of having a chance to become the world No. 1 again, and hopes he has learned to stay focused on his game when that situation arises again.
Alcaraz knew he could no longer overtake Sinner before he returns when he competed at last week's 2025 Monte Carlo Masters. The two-time Wimbledon winner was noticeably more at ease and won a maiden title at the event.
Rather than take a week off, Alcaraz chose to play at the ongoing 2025 Barcelona Open and began his campaign by beating Ethan Quinn.
Popular News
Just In
