Carlos Alcaraz has named one of the greatest tennis stars of all time as his favourite player.
The Spaniard grew up watching some of the sport’s best in their prime, such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
But he also had the privilege of watching another all time great such as Rafael Nadal, who was an inspiration to many all over the world, especially in Spain.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has carved a great legacy which his compatriot Alcaraz is trying to follow.
Given the impact has had on his career, it comes as no surprise who the World number three selected as his favourite player.
Carlos Alcaraz names a fellow Spaniard as his favourite ATP player
Alcaraz is in Paris preparing for the French Open where is trying to win his third major championship and first in Paris.
The clay court Grand Slam’s official page on social media platform X posted a video of the 21-year-old on court answering some questions from ball kids.
One asked the Wimbledon champion who his favourite player is on the tour. Without hesitation he smiled and said: “Rafa,” referring to the 14-time Roland Garros winner, Nadal.
The former World number one added: “Right now, Rafa is my idol, favourite player, favourite everything.”
What is Carlos Alcaraz’s head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal?
Alcaraz has played his idol Nadal just three times on the ATP Tour. The pair first met in their home country of Spain at the Madrid Open in 2021.
Nadal claimed a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2 win in the third round, but their second and third meetings proved to be far more competitive.
With a spot in the 2022 Indian Wells final on the line, Nadal claimed a 6-4 4-6 6-3 on what was an extremely blustery day in the Californian desert.
Two months later and a year after their first encounter, the Spanish duo once again played in the Madrid Open, this time in the quarterfinals. On this occasion it was Alcaraz who claimed a 6-2 1-6 6-3 victory to record his first win over Nadal.
The pair also contested an exhibition match dubbed ‘The Netflix Slam’ in March in Las Vegas, where Alcaraz prevailed 3-6 6-4 (14-12).
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