"It's just wrong" - Daria Kasatkina rejects comparisons between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, suggests they have 'different vibes'
Daria Kasatkina has rejected the prevalent comparisons between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting that they have very little in common. The Russian also expressed her frustration with the constant pressure on young players to be seen as the successors to older legends.
Since breaking out on the scene, Alcaraz has constantly been compared to the 'Big 3,' with many viewing his game as a blend of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Nadal's influences. Unsurprisingly, the comparisons have leaned more towards Nadal, given their shared Spanish nationality and the 21-year-old frequently hailing his compatriot as his idol.
However, Daria Kasatkina has denied seeing shades of the 22-time Grand Slam champion in Carlos Alcaraz, arguing that it feels "wrong" to make such comparisons when they are different people. In a recent interview with TNNS, the Russian vented her frustration with newer players constantly being compared to players from earlier generations.
"I like supporting the Spanish players. Well not a crush, but I like the way Alcaraz plays. No [I cannot see Nadal in him]. He’s a different person. I’ve never really liked it when they put labels on young players, labels from older players. It’s just wrong. We always had it like 'The second Maria Sharapova' and 'The next Nadal.' Also in football, 'The next Messi or Ronaldo,'" Kastakina said.
"It just feels so wrong. I mean, why? Different people, different level. First of all, the time doesn’t stand still, it’s a different era, everything is different, why would you compare new generation to the previous one? Everybody is unique and different," she added.
Kasatkina argued that the only things Alcaraz and the 38-year-old had in common were their Spanish heritage and "emotional" natures, asserting that they also had "different vibes" and distinct playing styles.
"Even on the court. Rafa and Alcaraz have a different vibe from each other. What they have in common is that they’re both Spanish. Wow, really? And their 'Vamos' and being emotional too, but I think it has more to do with their fiery personalities," she said.
"But their styles of play are completely different. Alcaraz is a righty. I think they’re very different and I really enjoy watching Alcaraz play. He knows how to put on a show," she added.
"I don’t think the comparison hurts Carlos Alcaraz, he’s good enough" - Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal himself has been more welcoming of the comparisons, expressing his belief that they don't "hurt" Carlos Alcaraz because he's capable of living up to the high expectations.
During a recent appearance on the Spanish talk show 'El Hormiguero,' the 22-time Grand Slam champion also acknowledged Alcaraz stepping up as the new face of Spanish tennis, emphasizing how difficult it was for one country to produce two players that were among the best in history.
"I don’t think the comparison hurts Alcaraz. He’s good enough. He will go his own way and it’s a nice coincidence that, after my career, someone like Carlos comes along. It’s difficult in the same country to have two players among the best in history," he said.
Nadal and Alcaraz recently formed a blockbuster doubles partnership at the Paris Olympics but fell short of securing a medal for Spain as they were knocked out in the quarterfinals.
They were also set to be in action together at the 2024 Laver Cup, but the 22-time Grand Slam champion pulled out of the event. Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, leads the Team Europe lineup, which includes Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, and Alexander Zverev.