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via Imago

via Imago

Not a lot of players receive the GOAT hype. While you could be “the next big thing”, the true GOAT contender-ship remains reserved for a select few. Showcasing a natural flair with prodigal talent brings you that level of attention. Thankfully, Carlos Alcaraz has quickly risen up the ranks of the Tennis world and offers that amount of talent. Comparable to a different GOAT-worthy player in the iconic Michael Jordan.

Prior to the commencement of the US Open where Alcaraz opens as defending champion, the young prodigy from Spain put forth his opinion about the fabled NBA GOAT debate.

No. 1 ranked tennis player answers if Michael Jordan is the GOAT

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Due to the dullness of the summer months, basketball fans can find themselves dissolving into the same discussions over and over again. Unfortunately, the most common of them remains the NBA GOAT debate. Every year, the same debate rages on. Whether LeBron James or His Airness, each camp is sticking with their choice. But, the debate continues still. Joining that same discussion was the Spaniard who’s getting ready to square off against Dominik Koepfer.

Dressed in the apparel of the $3.5 billion worth Jordan brand, perhaps his answer was already obvious.

via Reuters

However, the fastest-rising star in Tennis remained neutral. While he gave Mike his flowers, “Obviously, I’ve watched a lot of videos and everybody knows Michael, what he did to the game. He was something unbelievable,” he sought a different route with the actual answer.

I’m not going to talk about the GOAT. It’s not a doubt that he’s one of those,” said ATP’s no. 1 ranked men’s tennis player.

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His reasoning was pretty simple. “Well, I started to follow the NBA not too far ago…Obviously I hear a lot about basketball, about NBA. I didn’t watch it so much.”?

A constant presence at Miami Heat games, perhaps Carlos will be ready for these answers in some time. For now, he focuses on building his own GOAT case, as he enters the US Open as defending champion.

Can Alcaraz defend successfully?

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He’s a fan favorite, with names like Jimmy Butler proudly showcasing their fandom. However, it is worth warranting.

At the spry young age of? 20, he’s already won 2 Grand Slams. Further, he became the youngest player in history to be ranked World. No. 1.

Earlier this year, after upsetting Novak Djokovic who remains firmly in the GOAT discussion, Alcaraz started building his own case. Can a successful Wimbledon defense, a feat not achieved in over a decade, catapult him into the conversation?

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With his first test coming up at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium against Koepfer, the race to the top is on.

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