‘When He Smells Blood He Is Like a Shark’- Carlos Alcaraz’s Coach Opens Up on Comparison with Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz may only be 18 years old, but the Spanish teenager has taken the tennis fraternity by storm. He had a breakthrough 2021 season when he won his first ATP title last year. He defeated Richard Gasquet of France in the summit clash to win the ATP 250 Umag title. Additionally, he reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinals at the 2021 US Open.

Fast-forward to this season, the Spaniard has continued his fine form shown last year. Recently, former World Number 1 and 2003 French Open champion, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has opened up on the rise of Carlos Alcaraz.

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Juan Carlos Ferrero reveals Carlos Alcaraz’s evolution and his comparison with Rafael Nadal

The former French Open champion is the coach of Alcaraz. During an interview, he talked about his pupil’s playing style, physical evolution, and comparison with the Spanish legend, Rafael Nadal.

Juan Carlos Ferrero said, “When he smells blood he is like a shark. We never thought that from a muscular point of view it would become so big. Using a cell phone? Battle lost from the start.”

Further, on comparisons with Nadal, he said, “He is very clear that it is very nice to be compared to Rafa. I would like to think that the Spaniards understand Carlos as that new illusion that comes from behind playing very well and that, once those who are now retire, it will be Carlos and company who give people joy.”

“We take it very well but Rafa there is only one and Carlos there is only one. From here, each one will try to write their pages as best as possible; At the moment Rafa has a million books written and Carlos is starting.”(Translated using Google Translate)

Carlos Alcaraz suffers an injury setback

The next-gen star won the second title of his career at the ATP 500 Rio Open last week. He defeated Diego Schwartzman of Argentina to win his first title this season. However, following his victory, he felt some discomfort in his right elbow. The Spaniard had to play back-to-back matches on the same day, which might be one of the reasons for his injury.

In order to prevent it from aggravating, Alcaraz decided to pull out from the ATP 500 Acapulco in Mexico. He will next play in the Davis Cup tie against Romania scheduled next month. Can the 18-year-old be the ‘player to watch out for’ this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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