Carlos Alcaraz’s return to competitive action after a four-month absence at the US Open has been a sight to behold for his admirers. While he continues to dazzle on the court, the 23-year-old has been heavily scrutinized for his off-court lifestyle.
The Spaniard has faced severe backlash for his trips to Ibiza. The viral pictures and videos from those trips have added fuel to the fire. Fans and experts have expressed concern, saying his life beyond tennis could derail his professional career.
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Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni weighed in on Carlos Alcaraz‘s love for partying. The 65-year-old feels that if the two-time US Open champion is overwhelmed by the sacrifices demanded by his professional career, he should quit the sport.
“If it overwhelms him, then he should quit tennis. In the world of sports, everything tends to be exaggerated. Life is about sacrifices, not just about doing what I want. This applies not only to elite sports but to any other aspect of life. When you do it for yourself, it’s the price you have to pay,” Toni Nadal said in a podcast produced by ‘Nude Project’.
Toni Nadal wishes Alcaraz doesn’t change and hopes he continues to embrace the challenge rather than be burdened by it. He believes that success isn’t about avoiding sacrifices but accepting them as a part of the journey.
“Alcaraz, being a great tennis player, also pays a price, which is true, but on the other hand, he earns much more money than the vast majority of young people his age, he has much greater social recognition, he lives experiences that few people live,” he continued.
“One has to accept that what one is doing in life will involve a series of sacrifices. I hope Alcaraz doesn’t change, because he’s one of the best in the world, but you have to accept the challenge,” he pointed out.
On the tennis front, Carlos Alcaraz is currently defending his title at the ongoing US Open in New York.
Toni Nadal gives his take on Carlos Alcaraz’s return, backs him to play at his best
Carlos Alcaraz got off to a flying start in his title defence, ousting Roman Safiullin and Jaime Faria to storm into the third round. Despite missing a significant amount of action, the defending champion has shown positive signs as the road becomes difficult.
After sustaining a right wrist injury during his title defence in Barcelona in April, Alcaraz missed several tournaments including the French Open and Wimbledon. He skipped the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters to focus on his recovery.
The 23-year-old eventually returned in mixed doubles after forming a star-studded partnership with Serena Williams. During their run to the quarterfinals, fans were concerned about Alcaraz’s match fitness after his rusty serves and some scratchy shots.
However, he put all the doubts to rest with a commanding display in his first two outings. Toni Nadal believes Carlos Alcaraz’s opponents were quite manageable, allowing him to advance without putting much pressure on his body.
“The fact that his opponents in the first two rounds are, in theory, quite manageable, will facilitate this adaptation and allow him to advance through the draw without great demands, as well as gradually recover his best level of play,” Toni Nadal said.
Carlos Alcaraz will continue his journey as he prepares to face Wu Yibing of China in the third round on Friday.
Edited by Shyam Kamal
