Rafael Nadal is the best, and I don't think my grandson or anyone else is going to achieve as much as him: Carlos Alcaraz's grandfather
Carlos Alcaraz's grandfather Carlos Alcaraz Lerma described Rafael Nadal as "the best" and said no other player, not even his own grandson, will match the Spaniard's incredible feats.
Alcaraz, 19, has had an exceptional season, winning 32 out of 36 matches so far. He has four titles to his name, including two Masters 1000 crowns. Alcaraz's exploits saw him break into the top 10 of the ATP rankings.
Alcaraz's stunning rise has led to him being compared to Rafael Nadal, but his grandfather feels Nadal's accomplishments set him apart from the rest of the pack.
βYou have to be very careful when talking about Nadal because of how much he has achieved and continues to achieve," Alcaraz's grandfather was quoted as saying by AS. "He is very good, the best, and I don't think my grandson or anyone else is going to achieve as much as him, although there is no hiding that Carlos is doing a good job, but Nadal is Nadal."
"I don't know how far he can go; the truth is that the kid is on the right track" - Carlos Alcaraz's grandfather
Carlos Alcaraz's grandfather also said that while his son (Alcaraz's father) was good, he did not have as many resources as his grandson, likely referencing a lack of equipment, coaching or money. Describing Alcaraz as "a phenomenon", he said the teenager is on the right track.
βMy son was very good, although he did not have as many resources as my grandson has, who has turned out to be a phenomenon," Alcaraz's grandfather said. "I don't know how far he can go, besides, tennis is a very difficult world and injuries can come, but the truth is that the kid is on the right track."
Following his quarterfinal exit at the French Open, Alcaraz has fallen to seventh in the ATP rankings.
It will be interesting to see how the young Spaniard does at Wimbledon. Alcaraz announced on Twitter that he will be unable to compete at the Queen's Club Championships due to an elbow issue, but is expected to return to action at the grasscourt Major. He will play in his second main draw appearance, with his maiden run ending in the second round at the hands of Daniil Medvedev.
"As you all know, I was super excited to play at the Queen's Club Championships but a slight elbow issue means I can't! I hope to be there in 2023... see you all in the UK in a few days!"