Carlos Alcaraz is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
The Spaniard, a six-time Grand Slam champion already, will have the chance to clinch major number seven in the Australian Open final on Sunday.
Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face off for a 10th time at Melbourne Park, with the 22-year-old bidding to become the youngest player in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam.
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Djokovic is also chasing history, as the Serb is seeking a record-breaking 25th major crown Down Under.
Though Alcaraz has been incredibly successful in his career thus far, Rafael Nadal‘s former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, suggested that he has been lucky with his achievements.
Toni Nadal compares Carlos Alcaraz’s success to Rafael Nadal’s
As per Radioestadio Noche, Nadal said: “Alcaraz can go as far as he wants. First, he has special physical conditions.
“He has excellent technical quality, and on top of that, he has the luck of facing lower-level rivals. And I’m not saying this because I’m Rafael Nadal’s uncle—not at all. I try to be fair, but it’s clear.
“Rafael would play against Djokovic, against Del Potro, and if Del Potro had a great day, he could beat you. Nowadays… do they win 80%? Yes.
“The only one who could really challenge them is [Alexander] Zverev, if he’s willing to change some habits in his game and character.”
Alexander Zverev came close to beating Alcaraz in the Australian Open semifinals by forcing him to a decisive fifth set, but the German failed to get over the line.
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The ATP top ten when Rafael Nadal was in his prime
Rafael Nadal’s competition during the prime years of his career was certainly difficult, even outside of the ‘big four’.
During Nadal’s 2010 season, arguably his best year on tour, the top of the ATP rankings was packed with stars.
The 22-time major champion, ranked first at the time, had Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray trailing him in second, third and fourth.
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Rafael Nadal |
| 2 | Novak Djokovic |
| 3 | Roger Federer |
| 4 | Andy Murray |
| 5 | Robin Soderling |
| 6 | Nikolay Davydenko |
| 7 | Tomas Berdych |
| 8 | Fernando Verdasco |
| 9 | Mikhail Youzhny |
| 10 | Andy Roddick |
Behind them were the likes of Robin Soderling, Fernando Verdasco and former US Open champion Andy Roddick.
Even outside the top ten, players such as Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils, David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were contesting Nadal on the biggest stages.
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