Carlos Alcaraz makes honest Roger Federer confession and snubs Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz discussed tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz snubbed Rafael Nadal after his Indian Wells victory over Fabian Marozsan to reach the quarter-finals of Indian Wells, as he spoke about his admiration for Roger Federer instead. Alcaraz has long been compared to his Spanish compatriot Nadal and seen as his heir, but the Wimbledon champion has other plans.
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World No. 2 Alcaraz defeated Marozsan 6-3, 6-3 in 75 minutes to set up a final-eight clash with Alexander Zverev and was asked to give his thoughts on those that came before him in tennis.
Though noting his respect for “idol” Nadal, Alcaraz instead took the moment to discuss how he wants to emulate Federer instead. The Swiss legend has fewer Grand Slam titles than Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but his style of play resonates with Alcaraz and the 20-year-old wants to model his game after Federer.
“I always say that my idol is Rafa but I want to say that I really want to play like Roger, I’m not gonna lie,” Alcaraz told Tennis Channel. “You know, his style and elegance on the court is something amazing.”
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Before cruising to victory over Marozsan, Alcaraz admitted that he was feeling the nerves. He is bidding to become the first player to defend the Indian Wells title since Djokovic in 2016, but came up against one of the few players with a winning head-to-head record.
Their only previous meeting in Rome saw the Hungarian claim a surprise victory last year, but Alcaraz got his revenge and believes that he has a strong chance of celebrating glory once again in a venue where he feels very comfortable.
“Honestly I was nervous before the match, I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz told a press conference. “Playing against someone who beat you easily — I remember I had no chances in the match in Rome. It was difficult for me today to approach the match, but I’m really happy with the way that I did.
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“I started pretty well, playing my style since the beginning. Today I knew what I had to do better than I did in Rome. After a great first set, it was time to keep going, keep pushing in the second set. Trying to break as soon as possible and be up in the score.
“Don’t let him play his style on the court, that’s what I was thinking and I think I did pretty well. Of course, he has shown the level he has. He’s a really good player and I’m sure he’s gonna still keep climbing his level up as the seasons go on.
“I think the conditions here suits very well to my game. I feel really comfortable on this court, in this tournament. I feel really well.”
