Carlos Alcaraz is going to be one of the best players in history: Rafael Nadal

Legendary Rafael Nadal has backed his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz to end up as one of the greatest of the game, talking up his ability to conquer all surfaces.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion talked up Alcaraz’s potential, saying he doesn’t see any genuine threat to the all-conquering young Spaniard. Nadal’s comments come days after Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon crown, beating Novak Djokovic in the final in London.

Rafael Nadal even recalled his generation, saying none of the members of the Big 3 were able to claim they were favourites across all surfaces. Alcaraz, who turned 21 last month, already has won a Grand Slam on each of the three different surfaces. Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the double of Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season, joining an elite list of players including Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.

“My impression is we are talking about a player that is going to be one of the best in history. That’s my feeling,” Nadal said. The Spaniard was ready to reflect more on what makes Alcaraz stand out from the rest after he won the opening round of doubles with Casper Ruud at the Nordea Open in Bastard.

“He is a player with huge potential. Life can change quickly, that’s the truth. You never know what can happen in the future. But today if we have to predict what’s going on in his career, we predict amazing things,” Nadal said.

“His level of tennis is super high. If he is able to stay away from injuries, of course, Sinner is there. But I see him with Sinner over the rest today without a doubt. I don’t see a lot of players that can stop him on Tour and I think the best thing that he has today is in every tournament that he plays, doesn’t matter the surface, he is going to be the favourite,” he added.

“But no one player was the favourite before every tournament and today I feel that he has that aura, that feeling.”

Alcaraz was at his ruthless best against Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, beating the seven-time champion in straight sets. Djokovic conceded that he was beaten by a far better player on Sunday as the young Spaniard flaunted his ability to step up at the biggest of stages.

Nadal will partner with Alcaraz in men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics. Having pulled out of Wimbledon, the Spaniard has been gearing up for the Games at Nordea Open. Nadal will also play singles at the clay court tournament, opening his singles campaign against Leo Borg.