'He's a magician' - Carlos Alcaraz's childhood coach says Spaniard a more complete player than Rafael Nadal, draws Roger Federer comparison
By Jonny Bray
Published 22/05/2025 at 20:06 GMT+1
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World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz came out on top against Jannik Sinner at the Italian Open and will now hope to defend his French Open crown at Roland-Garros. His compatriot Rafael Nadal will be honoured when the Grand Slam gets underway, but Alcaraz's childhood coach Carlos Santos believes his former pupil is already the more complete player of the two Spanish stars.
Highlights: Alcaraz beats Sinner in Italian Open final
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz's childhood coach Carlos Santos believes the Spaniard is already a more complete player than his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner is set to be honoured on the opening day of this year's French Open, a tournament he won on 14 occasions during his illustrious career.
Alcaraz came out on top at Roland-Garros for the first time in 2024 and will get the defence of his crown underway against Kei Nishikori live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The 22-year-old still has a long way to go in his bid to match Nadal's astounding legacy, but Santos believes he is already the more well-rounded of the two Spanish icons.
"Much more complete," he said after being asked if Alcaraz was the more complete player of the two Spaniards.
"Tennis-wise, technically speaking, he does a lot more things.
"The drop shot, for example.
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'A good lesson for Paris' - Sinner reflects on Rome final loss to Alcaraz
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Nadal did it well, but this guy [Alcaraz] is a magician. The slice, the volley.
"Rafa had good shots, very powerful, very spin-heavy, and an exceptional brain, knowing what to do on the court.
"Carlitos has a different, more magical type of game, one that people love.
"He runs down every ball, you don't know what he's going to do.
"He's a magician."
Alcaraz returned to winning ways ahead of the 2025 French Open by defeating Jannik Sinner 7-6(5) 6-1Â in the final of the Italian Open.
The tournament was the world No. 2's first appearance since his withdrawal from the Madrid Open last month due to injury.
Sinner and Alcaraz are ranked one and two in the world, and Santos believes the pair could dominate the sport.
"They're the two players pushing the hardest," Santos added.
"There aren't any others who have excelled for so long.
"Having someone at the top and then dropping down is OK, but having someone at the top and then staying at the top... I think they [Alcaraz and Sinner] have to go hand in hand, and if he and Sinner continue like this, both of them can stay up at the top for the long time they have left on tour, and not fall back."
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'I'm supporting PSG' - Alcaraz backs French champions to beat Inter and claim first UCL crown
Video credit: TNT Sports
Alcaraz has been compared to Nadal since bursting onto the scene in 2019, and he played alongside his compatriot in the men's doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
However, Santos believes that his former pupil was far more similar to Nadal's Swiss rival and fellow great Roger Federer as a youngster.
"Technically, he [Alcaraz] was spectacular," he added.
"Single-handed backhand Carlos, go for it, and he could hit a one-handed backhand too.
"If we chose a two-handed backhand then it’s because these days shots are so powerful, and with a single-handed he would have had a hard time.
"But it was a Federer-type of tennis."
Watch and stream the 2025 French Open on TNT Sports and discovery+
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