Carlos Alcaraz Targets Rafael Nadal’s Madrid Open Crown as New Record Prompts Him to Follow Idol’s Footsteps

This year’s Mutua Madrid Open held a special place in fans’ hearts. This year fans were more excited to witness Rafael Nadal play on his home’s clay court for the last time. While the Spanish tennis legend said goodbye before the semi-finals, his admirer Carlos Alcaraz is still yet to digest his favorite icon’s retirement after the season.

Alcaraz has been fanboying over Nadal since he was young. Coming from the same place as the 22-time Grand Slam winner, Nadal was a substantial source of motivation for Alcaraz. This ATP rising star also managed to inspire himself with Nadal’s skills in a way that he has been termed the “Next Rafa Nadal” as an obvious clay court successor to the legend. Following his icon’s footsteps with a new record, Alcaraz expresses his thoughts about his future in professional tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz feels wonderful bagging his icon Rafael Nadal’s record at Madrid

Spanish ATP prodigy Carlos Alcaraz entered the Mutua Madrid Open’s quarterfinals. Following this victory, the young Spaniard bagged his icon Nadal’s record of fourteen consecutive match wins at Caja Magica in 2009. Alcaraz defeated Jan-Lennard Struff in an epic game by 6-3, 6-7(6), and 7-6(4) and tied with Nadal for the longest wins at Madrid. Delighted about his new record, this former Mutua Madrid Open winner said, “It is great information. Obviously in a place as special here as Madrid is, as this tournament is, having such a long winning streak is nice and in the end I will also belong to the history of the tournament along with Rafa. For me that is wonderful. “

Despite being happy, Carlos doesn’t want to lose himself in celebrating this small victory. Alcaraz commented, “We try not to let it influence us too much in the sense of: ‘well, now that I’ve achieved this, let’s relax,’ but instead we’re going to try to expand and keep that streak growing.”

The Spanish ATP prodigy expressed his surprise at reaching the semifinals when he only considered playing three to four matches. He highlighted the immense resilience and concentration that was required to overcome adversity. Alcaraz said, “There have been several ups and downs, good times and bad times. With a break up in the second set I served to close. In those moments when I have been on top, in the end he has turned it around. I think the key has been to stay positive, stay there, stay strong, try not to give up at any time and fight until the last ball.”

Alcaraz’s spirit and confidence often remind fans of Rafael Nadal, who also delighted his fans’ hearts with his never-give-up mentality. This young ATP star is also showing the same signs of positivity, indomitable spirit, and resilience. Nevertheless, Alcaraz had to scrap hard to get by in his latest match. In fact, he borrowed some traits from his idols’ toolbox to overcome the odds and attain the victory. He commented on the manner of his win.

Alcaraz happy that he could control his emotions and beat Jan-Lennard Struff at Madrid

Carlos Alcaraz had a tough fight against Struff. However, he managed to get away with the ticket to the next round only for his sheer skills. Post-match, this ATP star expressed his feelings and said- “This match reminded me a lot of last year’s. It was pretty difficult from the first point until the last one. It was a great fight. It was difficult for me to deal with my emotions, to handle certain moments in the match. Serving for the match was really difficult for me, being 40-0 up, but I’m really happy that at the end, it didn’t affect me or my game or my mentality. I kept fighting, and that’s all that matters so I’m really happy to get the win at the end.”

Alcaraz’s comments on following Nadal’s footsteps showcase his intense admiration for the Spanish tennis legend. If Alcaraz continues to walk on Nadal’s path, he might soon surprise the whole fraternity with an amazing trophy cabinet like his idol. What do you make of the young Spaniard’s new record and his quest to add to his growing collection? Let us know in the comments section below.