Carlos Alcaraz is one of those names that has become a worldwide sensation. Over the last few months, the Spaniard has been playing in top form. With his latest Wimbledon triumph over Novak Djokovic, he is considered to be one of the top contenders for the upcoming US Open. However, just like every normal kid, Carlos did have a hero growing up. And such was this hero’s lasting impact, that Alcaraz chooses to emulate him even today!

In a recent interview, Carlos Alcaraz shed light on how he looked up to compatriot Rafael Nadal, especially in the early phase of his career. From posing for a photo with him as a young boy to locking horns with his hero multiple times on the courts, Alacaraz has come a long way. Reflecting on the same, he recently discussed his changing relationships with a legend like Nadal.

Carlos Alcaraz talks about his childhood hero

Nadal was more than a player for Alcaraz; he was the embodiment of triumph against all odds. As the curtain rises on Alcaraz’s own tennis journey, his determination to mirror his hero’s unwavering resolve and unmatched skill illuminates the path he treads. His aspirations echo loudly as he yearns not just to be a remarkable player, but to etch his name alongside the legendary Rafael Nadal in the books of tennis history.

The Spaniard said, “Well, I want to be the best player in history. You know being on the same table as legend Rafael. Rafael was my hero you know when I was young when I started playing tennis, I watched his matches you know, finals, lifting the best trophies in the world, yeah I felt for me, Rafa was my hero growing up.”

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The fervor that once burned in Alcaraz’s eyes while watching Nadal now blazes within Alcaraz’s heart as he competes on the same courts, his every move a tribute to the inspiration derived from his childhood idol.

Alcaraz has played multiple times against his childhood hero

In what was possibly a dream come true, Carlos Alcaraz has already been able to fulfill it. From admiring your favorite hero to playing against him would like a great achievement to anyone. During the course of their career, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have faced each other a total of three times.

Out of this, Rafa leads the charts with 2 victories to Alcaraz’s 1. However, with Rafa’s career nearly progressing to a heroic end, hardcore fans would hope to see the two Spanish greats in action, one last time atleast. That will, however, be up to Rafa. The 22-time Grand Slam winner has been out of the courts due to injury for quite a while now.

In the pursuit of greatness, Alcaraz’s trajectory bears the unmistakable imprint of Nadal’s influence. While his journey is still unfolding, it is already an embodiment of how heroes inspire heroes – how the torch of inspiration is passed from one generation to the next. With his sights set on the US Open, he would be hoping to deliver once again!

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