Carlos Alcaraz says he ‘does not copy’ Djokovic, Nadal or Federer

Ewan West 01 Jun 2023 11:43 AM

Carlos Alcaraz celebrations

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he does not define himself by being similar to ‘Big Three’ legends Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The world No 1 declared he is “simply 100% Alcaraz” and insisted he does not copy shots from any other players.

The Spaniard’s game has drawn comparisons to each of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer since his emergence as one of the most exciting young talents tennis has seen.

Alcaraz, who only turned 20 last month, has already won 10 ATP titles – including the 2022 US Open and four ATP Masters 1000 events. He earned wins over Nadal and Djokovic in back-to-back matches en route to winning the 2022 Madrid Open.

The Murcian is the top seed at the ongoing 2023 French Open, where he has progressed to the third round after wins over Flavio Cobolli and Taro Daniel.

Following his four-set victory against Daniel on Wednesday, Alcaraz addressed suggestions his game features elements taken from the ‘Big Three.’

“There are people who say that I have blows (shots) from Rafa, blows from Djokovic, blows from Federer, because in the end it is what they have been used to seeing for 20 years, right?,” Alcaraz said in his Spanish press conference.

“But I do not define myself or have not sought to have anyone’s blows, but simply is 100% Alcaraz and that is what I like to think – that I am 100%, and not the copy of any other player’s blows.”

The Spaniard also discussed world No 32 Denis Shapovalov, who he will face in the third round at Roland Garros.

“Well, as you said, I have never played against him. But I practised in Barcelona with him. But everybody knows his level. He’s a really dangerous player. He has great shots. It’s going to be really difficult, really difficult match,” said the 20-year-old.

“I have to be ready on that, really focused on his shots. But as I said a lot of times, I always try not to, you know, think about the opponent. I always try to think about me, about myself, you know, about my game, and try to put it into the match.

“All I can say is tomorrow is a day off for me, and we are gonna think about the match tomorrow with my team and let’s see how it’s gonna be.”

Alcaraz lost in four sets to Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the French Open last year.