Why Rafael Nadal benefits from shooting star Carlos Alcaraz: Expert Àlex Corretja analyzes the Spanish duo

Even the king called.

“Rafael Nadal has to share the attention with Alcaraz from now on,” says Àlex Corretja im Exclusive-Interview from Eurosport. As a former world number two and two-time French Open finalist, the 47-year-old knows what it’s like to be popular.

Of course, the hype about Nadal is in a completely different league. Alcaraz, on the other hand, which is already being indicated, could at some point move into similar spheres as his idol. But this is not a problem for Nadal, Corretja emphasizes. “Rafa is not jealous. On the contrary: I think he’s enjoying this new situation.”

Alcaraz increasingly dangerous for Nadal

Nadal realizes that Alcaraz is becoming more and more dangerous to him. In addition, the youngster can best play to his strengths – especially via the formidable forehand – on sand. He won all four titles at Challenger level on the red surface, as did two of his four tournament wins on the ATP Tour.

It should only be a matter of time before the teenager brings the record Grand Slam champion, almost twice his age, to his knees.

Nadal: Preparation for Roland-Garros disrupted

And yet, Corretja believes, it helps Nadal that someone is striving upwards from their own stable. “It’s perfect for Rafa because it pushes him to keep improving his game,” said the Eurosport expert.

“Carlos is a big challenge for him. That can only motivate Rafa in training. He will find a way, but he knows very well that he has to show his best tennis to prevail.” Nadal is forced to “go to the limit” – and that takes him forward.

Corretja: Alcaraz can win the French Open

If Alcaraz can maintain his gala form, a duel with Nadal at the French Open is quite realistic. It would be a royal pleasure, a celebration of Spanish tennis – and therefore not surprising if King Felipe VI. would then no longer stop at a phone call, but would appear in person in the audience gallery.