The cinematic four-and-a-half hours and five sets-long 2023 Wimbledon mens’ final been a match that has been spoken about in the tennis community. While for one player it was a dream, for the other it was a quest. In the end, Carlos Alcaraz won his first Wimbledon ever, defeating Novak Djokovic, who played for a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam title.
After the game, the 20-year-old star revealed that his greatest motivation was to be like fellow Spanish legend Rafael Nadal and win more major titles in the years to come.
Carlos Alcaraz speaks on meeting his idol Rafael Nadal
Like many tennis lovers and youngsters, watching Rafael Nadal play meant everything to them and Carlos Alcaraz was not exempted from such a crowd. The Spanish star, when he was 13-year-old, said that he did not only watch Nadal but also wanted like him one day. Rafael Nadal still remains a true champion, a beloved player, a competitor and a warrior.
“I want to be top 10 in the world. I want to be like Rafa Nadal because he trains very hard, sacrifices himself and puts in a lot of effort,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
In a recent interview in Buenos Aires, the Spanish star reiterated his passion for following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal: “He was my childhood idol, and he is the idol of all Spanish fans of tennis and sports in general because of his career, his charisma, his work, his mentality.”
He added that he keenly followed both Federer and Djokovic in the past and sought inspiration from any tennis great: “I’m not afraid, it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me. That has been basic to achieve what I’ve already achieved. I’ve always taken it naturally to face the best. That ambition has made me who I am right now.”
The 20-year-old Spanish star has proven beyond doubt that he can be an achiever, last year he became the youngest player to finish as year-end world no. 1, just 19. This season, he won five titles, including one Grand Slam and Masters 1000.
Rafael Nadal once praised Carlos Alcaraz
In July, Carlos Alcaraz secured his second Grand Slam title after winning the Wimbledon championship title by defeating Novak Djokovic. The final scoreline saw Alcaraz emerge victorious in an epic five-set thriller 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 triumph.
The extraordinary final was the perfect center stage for the battle between world number 1 and 2. This Wimbledon match was quick to juice the physical and mental energy out of both of these players who each had their own great deal at stake.
Unsurprisingly, Rafael Nadal was among the first one to congratulate him. He took to Twitter and wrote: “Congratulations Carlos! You have given us immense joy today and I am sure that our pioneer in Spanish tennis, Manolo Santana, has also been cheering wherever he is, such as Wimbledon whom you have joined today. A very strong hug and enjoy the moment, Champion!!!”
However, Nadal unfortunately played his last game of the season against Mackenzie McDonald in January and has since then be sidelined for hip-flexor injury for the rest of 2023. Recently, Nadal revealed that he will be back on the court for the 2024 season and has been working tirelessly toward that goal in recent months.
Will Carlos Alcaraz cross paths against his childhood idol some day? Tell us what you think in the comments.
