Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal should not be compared, according to a current tennis player.
Dasha Kasatkina has responded to those who compare Carlos Alcaraz to tennis legend and fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz was one of two players to win two Grand Slams this year, winning the French Open and Wimbledon.
He also advanced to the Olympic final in Paris, just missing out on gold in his debut Games after losing to Novak Djokovic.
Given his rapid rise to fame on the ATP Tour, as well as their common nationality and aggressiveness on the court, comparisons to an early Nadal have emerged.
However, WTA standout Kasatkina has denied such assertions, claiming that the two are fundamentally different.
Regarding their similarities, Kasatkina told TNNS, “I’ve never liked it when they categorize young players. Labels from older players are simply wrong. We’ve always had ‘the next Maria Sharapova’ or ‘the next Nadal’, and in football, ‘the next Messi or Ronaldo’.
“It just feels wrong.” I mean, why? Different individuals, different levels. First of all, time does not stand still. “Why would you compare new generations to previous ones?”
She continued, “Everyone is distinct and different, even on the court. Rafa and Alcaraz have different vibes. They share one thing in common: they are both Spanish.
“Wow, really? They also have ‘vamos’ and are emotional. But I believe it has more to do with their personality. Their play styles are entirely different.
“Alcaraz is a righty, for one! And I truly enjoy watching Alcaraz play; he understands how to put on a show.
When asked about the true GOAT argument amongst Nadal, Roger Federer, and record Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, Kasatkina stated that the triumvirate is ‘unreachable’.
She went on: “All three of them are unreachable. You know, if someone has an idol, they will love him even if the results aren’t perfect.
“And that’s evident in my situation because it began in my childhood, but when you look at the results, Novak is the best. It would be ridiculous to fight about it. “The rest is a matter of taste.”
Djokovic, who, although earning Olympic gold, has not had the best of years on the court by his own lofty standards, will be trying to end 2024 on a high note.
Only a few events remain on the schedule before the Serb and his opponents travel to Turin for the ATP Finals in November.