Tennis – Alcaraz and Nadal are the world’s leading players.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have been the best players of the season. The Spanish duo claimed three out of four Major titles, leading the ATP Race ahead of the Paris Masters. Alcaraz and Nadal are in the driving position to fight for the year-end no.1 honor, with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud standing far behind.
Speaking about his rivalry with Rafa ahead of Paris, Carlos said everything is fine between them, not seeing his more experienced compatriot as his enemy.
Alcaraz is thrilled about everything he has achieved this year and tries to stay in good relationships with every rival on the Tour. Carlos is 830 points in front of Rafa ahead of two notable tournaments with 2500 points. The younger Spaniard kicked off the season from outside the top-30 and found himself in the top-10 after four months.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal are the year-end no. 1 favorites.
Alcaraz won Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Barcelona in the opening months to find himself in the elite company at 18. Not stopping there, Carlos defeated Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev to conquer his second Masters 1000 crown in Madrid in style.
The young gun became the contender for the ATP throne and played at the US Open as world no. 4. Nadal missed his chance to become world no. 1 again, leaving Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud to fight for it in the US Open final. The Spaniard won the match in four sets to lift the first Major crown and become the youngest world no.
1 in ATP history. “I do not see my battle with Rafa that way. It’s true; Rafa is fighting for the year-end no. 1 spot. Some players have the same goal – to be No. 1, so I must do my best. Rafa and I are colleagues outside the court; it’s how I see it.
Rafa is not my enemy. I say hello to him; I do not see that competition. With the rest of the players, it’s the same. Beyond that relationship, I will try to maintain my No. 1 spot. It’s incredible to wake up as No. 1 and the US Open winner.
It’s a dream come true. I’m enjoying this moment so far and keep working. My life is still the same; I’m the same kid and player. I will keep practicing and improving,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
