'It has all the prerequisites': Toni Nadal backs Carlos Alcaraz to overtake Rafael Nadal

Toni Nadal believes that Carlos Alcaraz has the potential to achieve more than his nephew, Rafael Nadal. The 22-year-old recently lifted his fifth Grand Slam title after beating Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set thrilling final at the Roland Garros with a score of 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6.

The match lasted more than five hours and became officially the longest final in the history of the French Open, as well as the second-longest in Grand Slam history. Toni, the uncle and coach of former world number one Rafael, recently spoke to Eurosport, praising Alcaraz for his incredible performance at the French Open. The 64-year-old was of the opinion that Alcaraz has all the ability to join an elite list of players in the history of men’s tennis, and also believes that the El Palmer-born player has an advantage as he only has one great rival in Sinner.

“Alcaraz is a player who currently has the best conditions in the world,” said Toni. “He is fast, has a strong forehand and backhand. But he also has one big advantage - he did not play against the best Federer and the best Djokovic, unlike my nephew. He has a great rival in Siner, but the others... are not so terrible. Can he match Rafa? Maybe even overtake him. I'm not a prophet, but it has all the prerequisites.”

Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in 2024 after struggling with fitness problems, especially towards the latter stages of his career, is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles, only behind Novak Djokovic (24). The 39-year-old is also known as the ‘King of Clay’ after winning 14 French Open titles, by far the most in the history of the competition. His last appearance on a tennis court as a player came at the Davis Cup, where he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4.