Google News Toni Nadal says 'future great champion' Carlos Alcaraz has similarity to Rafael Nadal
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 2969
Toni Nadal says he definitely sees some similarities between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. Just like Nadal, 19-year-old Alcaraz started achieving major things at a very young. Nadal, 36, is slowly approaching retirement but Uncle Toni is not worried about the future of Spanish tennis.
“The self-confidence, the intensity in his game. Carlos is also very courageous and in this he does remind me (of Nadal). We are going to have a great champion for many years to come," Toni Nadal told MARCA Sport.
Uncle Toni names Nadal, Alcaraz as French Open favorites
Alcaraz became a Grand Slam champion after beating Casper Ruud in last year's US Open final.
Due to a knee injury, Alcaraz didn't compete at the Australian Open. At the French Open, Alcaraz will be making his Grand Slam return and Uncle Toni believes the 19-year-old, Nadal and Novak Djokovic will be the top favorites for the title.
"I think he (Nadal) could be the top favorite with Alcaraz, Djokovic and him. Alcaraz is at a very high level and is in the improvement phase. I think he will be among these three. Between the two rivals I don't know how to tell you, none," Toni Nadal said.
Meanwhile, Uncle Toni also hinted that when Nadal decides to retire, it will likely come at the French Open or Madrid Masters. "In Madrid or at Roland Garros. The time will come and he will decide. When you lift a trophy you convince yourself that you still have something to give.
It's hard to retire winning. I think Sampras did it. I haven't talked about that about Rafa. I don't know how much It fits him. If he fully recovers, let him keep playing and we'll see," Toni Nadal said. Nadal, who will be turning 37 in June, hasn't played since the Australian Open due to a hip injury. Nadal is expected to return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters in early April.
