“There Will Be a Void”: Alex Corretja Opens Up on Post Rafael Nadal Era in Spain

Over the years, there have been many prominent personalities who have arrived from Spain. Superstars like Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Garbine Muguruza are some of the names that have competed at the highest level of the sport.

Currently, Rafael Nadal has been dominating the scenes on the men’s Tour. However, he has been competing for close to two decades and probably has a few years more left in him. The next question is, who could replace the 20-time Grand Slam champion?

Tough to find another Rafael Nadal 

Speaking on this subject, former Grand Slam finalist Alex Corretja gave his views. He stated, “I don’t think there will be a drought of great titles, but the post-Rafa era is not going to be easy. Because he has set the bar so high that it is going to be impossible to find someone who does everything that he has done.”

(Quotes translated using Google translate)

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The former World No. 2 player felt there won’t be a pause from seeing Spanish players in action. However, it will be difficult to find a player matching Nadal’s caliber. Also, it is important not to compare any youngster arriving with Nadal as it would be unfair. 

The 47-year-old further added, “I’m not afraid of the post-Rafa era in terms of tennis players coming out, both in the men’s and women’s circuits, but I do think there will be a void because it has us all very badly accustomed to it. The important thing will be not to compare those who come behind with Rafa because whoever you compare with him is going to lose.”

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Coming to tennis recently, Nadal updated the tennis fraternity with an unfortunate update that would keep him out of action for a few weeks. It will be interesting to see if he will make it in time for the Australian Open 2022.