Carlos Alcaraz Fear Looms Large in Rafael Nadal?s Camp as Uncle Makes Vulnerable Statement Ahead of Nephew?s Comeback

This year’s French Open missed its favorite, Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard withdrew from the clay-court major owing to his injuries. Recurring injuries since last year have taken a toll on the 38-year-old Spanish tennis legend. However, he is also aware that he can not push himself for too long. Thus, he announced this year that his 2024 French Open run would probably be his last major clay-court swing.

However, we have also seen the rise of another Spanish player, Carlos Alcaraz who has raised the bar by defeating none other than Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. Now, the concern of Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal regarding the 22-Grand Slam champion’s comeback has turned to Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz becomes the major concern in the comeback of Rafael Nadal

The 20-year-old Alcaraz has found constant comparisons between himself and Rafael Nadal. Nonetheless, he has continued his strife to become better than before. Proving that, he took down Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic in the finals of Wimbledon.

Now, this feat has become a concern for Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach. He feels this rise of Alcaraz poses a challenge for Nadal’s 2024 comeback. In an interview with Marca, he addressed a question about Rafa’s health. He answered, “Rafa is fine, on vacation, wanting to jump on the court in 2024.” However, he also displayed apprehension regarding Alcaraz’s run, “Let’s hope that Alcaraz will let us win something then.”

Rafael Nadal has announced that the 2024 French Open is probably going to be his final year on the professional tour. His uncle reiterated that and stated, “He is looking forward to coming back and retiring on the track.”

READ MORE: 24-Year-Old Irish Rugby Sensation Ditches Own Sport Idols to Pay Ode to Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal ? ?Wouldn?t Have Looked Up..?

Given the rising performance of Alcaraz, Toni Nadal’s concerns are valid. But John McEnroe’s brother also posed an important question recently.

Will Alcaraz be able to continue this streak?

Carlos Alcaraz has been hailed as the next best player in the ATP realm after the ‘Big Three’. However, Patrick McEnroe has questioned his longevity.

In a podcast, The Jim Row Show, McEnroe hailed Alcaraz’s run. However, he also highlighted the fact that he would need to take care of his health to maintain this streak. Giving an example from the NFL, he compared Alcaraz to a running back, but he also wondered how long is he going to last. Do you think Alcaraz can persevere like the ‘Big Three’ and touch the count of 20 Grand Slam titles? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Rafael Nadal?s best clay outfits