Google News Anabel Medina Garrigues weighs in on Carlos Alcaraz - Rafael Nadal comparison
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 5686
Former world No. 16 Anabel Medina Garrigues has acknowledged there are similarities between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal but added it's not fair to compare the 18-year-old with one of the greatest players in tennis history.
After a breakthrough 2021 season, Alcaraz was named as someone who could become the next big champion. Through the first four months of the 2022 season, Alcaraz has been absolutely impressive as in Rio de Janeiro he captured his first ATP 500 title, before winning his maiden Masters title in Miami last week.
Alcaraz, who is just 18 years old, is now a Masters champion and on the verge of breaking into the top-10 as he is enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 11 in the world. "We are looking in Spain with so much hope and excitment for Alcaraz.
It's not fair to compare him to Nadal, but Carlos is very similar to Rafa when he was young. The mental part, how physicaly strong he already is," Medina Garrigues told Bola Amarela.
Patrick Mouratoglou on the Alcaraz - Nadal comparison
After Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in the Miami final, renowned tennis coach Mouratoglou reflected on the similarities between Alcaraz and Nadal.
"I completely understand the comparison with Rafa. Firstly they are both Spanish, secondly they are super physical players. Third, they are mentally incredible. It is already a lot. I think they have the same style of play. I'm talking about Rafa today and not Rafa at the age of Alcaraz," Mouratoglou said in a video posted on his Instagram.
"He was playing completely different, much further back with long rallies and spin and now he is more aggressive. I would say Carlos Alcaraz will be the modern version of Rafa." When Alcaraz became a Masters champion, Nadal was one of the first to congratulate the 18-year-old on a massive achievement.
Alcaraz has now won on all levels except the Grand Slam and he will be looking to change that at the French Open.