Despite Rafael Nadal?s Comeback Promise, Former Wimbledon Champion Affirms Change of Guard as Carlos Alcaraz Wave Hits Tennis Hard?Post?Wimbledon

The impact of Rafael Nadal on the world of tennis has been nothing short of tremendous. With an impressive career boasting 22 major titles, Nadal has left an indelible mark on the game. But as he prepares to retire from professional tennis next year, tennis fans and experts are already looking to the future, where they see a promising successor in the shape of Spain’s rising star Carlos Alcaraz. Recently, French tennis legend, Marion Bartoli, gave her thoughts on Alcaraz succeeding Nadal’s place as the next best thing in men’s tennis.

This prediction of Alcaraz’s presumed tennis career isn’t farfetched. At a young age of just 20, Alcaraz has not only become a major force in the new generation but he has faced all-time greats fearlessly and triumphed on the grandest stages. Although he is still young and has a very long way to go, he has already won two Grand Slam titles. His recent victory at Wimbledon 2023 is a testament to his unwavering determination, especially after his impressive victory over Novak Djokovic.

Bartoli on Nadal and Alcaraz

Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, thinks Nadal’s influence on tennis has been immense.?But with Alcaraz being Spanish too and winning big tournaments, it feels like the torch is being passed to a new generation.

Bartoli stated “His impact is tremendous, but in some ways for him, because Alcaraz is Spanish, it almost feels like the torch has been passed.It’s the new generation that is starting to win, starting to be the best in the world,” according to Stats Perform,?reported by Sports Max.

Indeed, Nadal’s dominance has been unparalleled, and with Roger Federer’s retirement last year, the sport’s ‘Big Three’ is down to just Novak Djokovic. However, in Alcaraz, Spain has found a young talent who has already shown immense promise, recently claiming his second grand slam title at SW19. So what are Alcaraz’s plans for tennis outside the ATP tours?

New gen tennis titan’s dream outside the ATP tour

According to Alcaraz, his tennis dream is to team up with his idol, Rafael Nadal, before the 37-year-old’s retirement in the upcoming Olympics. ?It would be a dream.?Not only to win a medal at singles or doubles, but just to live the experience of playing a doubles with your idol, would be a memory that I would keep with special affection.?”?Alcaraz told COPE.

Although Alcaraz and Nadal have crossed paths three times in singles matches, they have never teamed up in doubles.?With Nadal’s retirement looming, the chance to share the court in Paris is a rare and enticing opportunity for both players. The prospect of witnessing two generations of Spanish tennis stars joining forces is undoubtedly exciting for fans across the world.

ALSO READ: 41-Year-Old Roger Federer Sends Tennis Fans Into a Frenzy With His Spanish Surprise as He Lands up in Rafael Nadal?s Hometown on a Vacation

As Nadal’s career draws to a close, it is a bittersweet moment for the tennis community. Accepting that he will soon step away from something he has dedicated many years to can never be easy for the Spanish maestro. Nevertheless, with a worthy successor like Alcaraz ready to carry the Spanish flag forward, the sport’s future seems promising.

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