Former two-time Grand Slam finalist Alex Corretja dropped the ultimate praise on Carlos Alcaraz, declaring him "a gift to tennis" and comparing the 22-year-old to none other than Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz, who grew up idolizing and looking up to Nadal, became a six-time Grand Slam champion after beating Jannik Sinner in the US Open final eight days ago. By clinching a win in the US Open title match, the Spanish tennis star also secured returning to the world No. 1 spot for the first time in more than a year.
At 22 years and four months old, Alcaraz already has 23 titles in his collection – he is only an Australian Open title away from completing a Career Grand Slam – and this Monday, he started his 38th week as the top-ranked player in the game.
Corretja: Alcaraz is a blessing and comparable to Nadal
“It’s a blessing to have a player like Carlos Alcaraz. He is truly a gift to the sport. It is nearly a miracle to be honest. We have had so many great players in the past, but after Rafael Nadal, our legend of the sport, all of a sudden we have Carlos who is comparable. He is winning Grand Slams, he is the world No. 1. It is something very unexpected and very fortunate for us to have him," Corretja told Bolavip.
After making his feelings clear about Alcaraz, Corretja noted that the 22-year-old is accomplishing something that is "very difficult." The Spanish tennis legend also tipped the 22-year-old to "win many more Grand Slams in the future."
The praise didn't end there as Corretja also heaped praise on the world No. 1's personality.
"He is so humble and simple, and he says whatever he feels. He is very straightforward and acts very well. He is very unique," Corretja said.
After winning the US Open, the 22-year-old revealed that his next big goal was to complete a Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open. So far, the Spaniard hasn't managed to make it past the quarterfinal stage in Australia.
