Carlos Alcaraz told what will be ‘almost impossible’ to achieve in Rafael Nadal comparison
Newly-retired Spanish tennis star Fernando Verdasco has addressed Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of winning as many Grand Slam titles as Rafael Nadal.
The former world No 7 also explained why he thinks Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are “a bit like” Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Alcaraz, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on May 5, has already won four majors in his outstanding career to date.
The Murcian won his maiden Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open, where he defeated Casper Ruud in the final.
This victory saw him become the youngest world No 1 in ATP history at 19 years and four months.
Alcaraz overcame Novak Djokovic in an epic five-set championship match to secure his second major at Wimbledon in 2023.
In 2024, Alcaraz secured the French Open crown after a five-set win over Alexander Zverev in the title match before defending his Wimbledon title by downing Djokovic in a straight-set final.
ATP Tennis News
Novak Djokovic reveals his toughest opponent and the two best moments of his career
How Alexander Zverev’s shock Rio Open defeat affects Jannik Sinner world No 1 chase
Alcaraz’s legendary compatriot Nadal, who retired in November, won a staggering 22 majors: 14 French Opens, four US Opens, two Wimbledon titles and two Australian Opens. Only Djokovic has collected more Grand Slams (24) than the Mallorcan in the history of men’s tennis.
Verdasco gave his thoughts on Alcaraz and Sinner being compared to the Big Three and also asserted that Nadal’s Grand Slam haul will likely be out of reach for his young countryman.
“Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, they are a bit like Roger, Rafa and Novak were. They are above the others,” the seven-time ATP singles titlist was quoted as saying by L’Equipe.
“Of course they can lose, but you can see that they have something extra. At every Grand Slam, they are favourites.
“Afterwards, I am often asked if Alcaraz will win as many Grand Slams as Nadal. What I can say is that it is almost impossible.
“Winning 22 majors, you don’t have to be that smart to see what that represents. You have to win two or three every year in your career. So, as soon as you are injured, you have an operation or you have a physical problem, it complicates things.”
Verdasco partnered Djokovic in doubles for the final event of his career at the Qatar Open in Doha this week.
READ NEXT: 2025 ATP Dubai draw: Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur headline stacked event
