Carlos Alcaraz won his ninth career title in Barcelona, ​​and the Iberian (who turns 20 on May 5) is seen by many as Rafael Nadal’s successor on the ATP circuit.

Carlos Alcaraz rejects comparisons with Rafael Nadal

After beating Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alcaraz said it would have been harder for him to win in Barcelona if Nadal had been there. ATP No. 2 also stated that he does not want to be a “replacement” for Rafa.

“I don’t want to take anything from anyone. I was lucky to be surrounded by people who supported me and charged me with positivity from the first match.

In those two years when Rafa was gone, I was lucky enough to win titles. I always wanted to play against the best, it’s a shame that Nadal wasn’t here to enjoy his game.

I hope he continues to play for a long time and everyone enjoys his game, but I’m not here to take anything from him, I’m not inheriting anyone, I want to write my own story in this sport.

We go to every tournament with the idea of ​​winning, of doing our best. Even if I don’t win the trophy in Madrid, it won’t be a failure, it all depends on the level of play I show in the matches.

There will be good players there, all of them are capable of winning a big trophy and can beat me. For me, success or failure is judged by the level I show, how I play” – Carlos Alcarazafter winning with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Know:

• Tournaments won by Carlos Alcaraz: Umag (2021), Rio de Janeiro, Miami Masters, Barcelona, ​​Madrid Masters, US Open (2022), Buenos Aires, Indian Wells Masters and Barcelona (2023).

• The reigning champion and main favorite of the Madrid Masters, Carlos Alcaraz, will play in the second round against the Finnish winner Emil Ruusuvuori (41 ATP) and the Frenchman Hugo Humbert (77 ATP).

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