Rafael Nadal has named one thing about Carlos Alcaraz that is “just not true” as he shared his thoughts on his fellow Spaniard’s professionalism.
Alcaraz‘s Netflix documentary series, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, was released in April, and the 22-year-old’s approach to his life and career was the central focus.
The world No 2 stressed that he wants to achieve his lofty ambitions in the sport without compromising his happiness — a philosophy that was portrayed as being at odds with that of his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“Right now my biggest fear of all is ending up seeing tennis as an obligation,” Alcaraz explained. “Sometimes I feel like I am enslaved to tennis and that causes anxiety, frustration, doubts.”
The four-time Grand Slam winner revealed he partied hard in Ibiza following his semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the 2023 French Open, a move that went against the wishes of his agent Albert Molina.
“I ended up going and they know what I’m going there to do,” the 22-year-old said. “In Ibiza, I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty much all about partying and going out.
“I basically went there to reventar (burst), I’m not sure if that’s the best way to put it, but I went there to go out. I really made the most of it because I knew I might not get another three days like that.”
Alcaraz’s trip did not negatively impact his 2023 grass-court season as he won his maiden titles at the Queen’s Club Championships and Wimbledon.
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz ‘doesn’t have any doubts’ about French Open title defence, warns former No 2
Alexander Zverev told ‘it’s all in his head’ by Rafael Nadal in strong Grand Slam statement
The Spaniard went to Ibiza again after winning last year’s French Open and, while he did not defend his Queen’s crown, he won a second straight Wimbledon title.
The 22-year-old has faced some harsh scrutiny over his approach to tennis since the documentary aired, with Spanish ATP player Roberto Bautista Agut declaring: “I don’t think Carlos will win Grand Slams by going to bed at seven in the morning.”
In an interview with L’Equipe, Nadal jumped to Alcaraz’s defence and argued the documentary did not offer an accurate depiction of his compatriot’s professionalism.
“I think there’s this debate because the documentary released on Carlos seemed to reflect this,” said the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
“However, knowing Carlos a little, I think the documentary doesn’t reflect his personality or the way he lives his career.
“He doesn’t come across as a tennis player who trains, but as someone who likes to party, who needs it, who isn’t very professional. It’s just not true.
“Carlos is a great professional. He’s a person who works very hard to bring his tennis and his physique to the highest level.
“I think the documentary was approached in the wrong way, because people’s perception is different from what his real life is.”
No 2 seed Alcaraz will begin his French Open title defence against Kei Nishikori.
READ NEXT: Jim Courier reveals what is a ‘good sign’ for Novak Djokovic ahead of French Open
The post Carlos Alcaraz gets clear verdict from Rafael Nadal over partying confession appeared first on Tennis365.
Leave a Reply