Carlos Alcaraz highlights one trait he learned from Rafael Nadal and explains how he handles fame
Carlos Alcaraz says Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude is one feature from the 21-time Grand Slam winner that he wants to copy throughout his career.
The 18-year-old Alcaraz had first-hand experience of Nadal’s “fighting spirit” at the Indian Wells Open in March as he lost in three sets against the former world No 1 in the semi-final at the ATP Masters 1000 event in California.
Barely a fortnight later and that experience came to good use as he went all the way at the Miami Open to win his maiden Masters title.
There have been a lot of comparisons between the two Spaniards, but Alcaraz wants to replicate Nadal’s attitude to fight until the last ball.
“I learned about the fighting spirit, of never giving up,” the teenager revealed on Spanish talk show El Hormiguero.
“Many people will have also seen the Australian Open match, he was losing and came back almost miraculously.
“From that match against him [at Indian Wells] I get the fighting spirit, never give up and fight until the last ball.”
Alcaraz has already won three titles this year as he also lifted the Rio Open trophy in February and the Barcelona trophy last week and his newfound fame means he is now one of the most popular tennis players around the globe.
So how exactly does he handle fame?
“I handle it quite well,” he said. “I tell everyone I don’t consider myself to be famous. When I get recognised, I take it in stride.
“The team is there to tell me about the bad things and although it frustrates me, it’s better for me.
“At first it was tough. I was very difficult. [Coach] Juan Carlos [Ferrero] had a tough time, because I was really disorganised. And I still am, just a bit less!
“I didn’t control my emotions well and I didn’t have my head straight.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”