Ángel Ruiz-Cotorro on Alcaraz: ‘He has many things of Nadal: power, resistance, acceleration… I’m not worried about his physique’
Ángel Ruiz-Cotorro, the physician who has treated Rafael Nadal for years and now oversees the health of players at major tournaments, has offered reassuring insights into Carlos Alcaraz’s physical condition and drawing parallels to his compatriot and former patient, Nadal.
Speaking about the 22-year-old Spanish star, Ruiz-Cotorro emphasized Alcaraz’s remarkable physical attributes that mirror those which made Nadal a dominant force on the ATP Tour. “Alcaraz has many things of Nadal: power, resistance, acceleration… I’m not worried about his physique,” the physician stated, highlighting the young player’s exceptional physical capabilities.
The physician’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment in Alcaraz’s career, as he continues to establish himself among tennis’ elite. Currently ranked world No. 2 in the ATP rankings as of April 13, 2026, Alcaraz has already secured multiple Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open in 2026, Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025, Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024 and the US Open in 2022 and 2025.
Ruiz-Cotorro’s extensive experience with Nadal provides valuable context for his assessment of Alcaraz. Having been Nadal’s physician throughout much of the Spaniard’s illustrious career, Ruiz-Cotorro has witnessed firsthand the physical demands and resilience required to succeed at the highest level of professional tennis.
The physician’s perspective carries particular weight given his dual role – having treated Nadal while now overseeing player health at tournaments. This unique position allows him to compare the physical profiles and injury risks of two generations of Spanish tennis stars.
When discussing Alcaraz’s physical similarities to Nadal, Ruiz-Cotorro specifically pointed to three key attributes: power generation, resistance to fatigue, and explosive acceleration – all critical components for success on various court surfaces, particularly on clay where both players have excelled.
The physician’s reassurance about Alcaraz’s physique addresses ongoing concerns among fans and analysts regarding the young star’s ability to withstand the rigors of a full professional tennis calendar. Tennis, particularly at the Grand Slam level, places enormous physical demands on athletes, requiring exceptional endurance, strength, and recovery capabilities.
Ruiz-Cotorro’s comments also touch on the broader context of injury prevention in modern tennis. As the sport continues to evolve with faster ball speeds and more demanding schedules, the role of sports medicine professionals has become increasingly vital in extending athletes’ careers and maintaining peak performance.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s immediate focus remains on the ATP Tour calendar, with the physician’s insights suggesting the young Spaniard is physically equipped to handle the challenges ahead. His current form and ranking reflect a player who has successfully translated his physical gifts into on-court success.
The comparison to Nadal, while flattering, also sets high expectations for Alcaraz’s career trajectory. Nadal’s unprecedented success – particularly his dominance on clay courts where he won 12 Barcelona Open titles between 2005 and 2021 – has established a benchmark for Spanish tennis excellence that few have approached.
Though, Ruiz-Cotorro’s perspective suggests that Alcaraz possesses the foundational physical attributes necessary to pursue similar heights. The physician’s confidence in Alcaraz’s physique indicates that, from a medical standpoint, the young star has the tools to build a long and successful career.
As tennis continues to evolve, the insights from physicians like Ruiz-Cotorro remain invaluable in understanding how athletes can maximize their potential while minimizing injury risk. His assessment of Alcaraz provides a positive outlook for the young Spaniard’s future in the sport.
The physician’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of specialized sports medicine in professional tennis, where the difference between success and setbacks often comes down to an athlete’s ability to withstand the physical demands of the game.
For Alcaraz, having a physician with Ruiz-Cotorro’s experience and perspective overseeing aspects of his health provides an additional layer of confidence as he navigates the challenges of professional tennis at the highest level.
As the ATP Tour continues its 2026 season, all eyes will remain on Alcaraz’s performance and physical well-being, with Ruiz-Cotorro’s insights offering a reassuring perspective on one of tennis’ most promising young stars.
The next major checkpoint in Alcaraz’s schedule will be his participation in upcoming ATP Tour events, where his physical condition and performance will continue to be monitored by medical professionals including Ruiz-Cotorro.
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