As Rafael Nadal prepares to retire next month, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has been reflecting on his iconic rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. In a recent interview, Nadal discussed the ongoing comparisons between his era and the emerging generation of tennis stars, specifically Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Nadal, who has enjoyed intense battles with Federer and Djokovic, believes it is too early to compare the new rivalries between young players like Alcaraz and Sinner to his own. While Alcaraz and Sinner, currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, have already made impressive strides, Nadal feels it is important to give them time to develop their own legacy.
“We need to wait,” Nadal said. “They’re creating their own story. This year, two Grand Slams each—number one and number two in the world. But it’s not the moment to compare eras.”
Nadal emphasized that each generation deserves its own narrative, free from the shadow of previous legends. “Roger and myself left, but that’s part of every sports career. Now it’s a new generation coming, and we need to let them create their own rivalries and their own story,” he continued. “They don’t need the comparisons with us.”
Nadal’s influence on Alcaraz has been well-documented, as the young Spaniard has often expressed his admiration for Nadal. They even competed together in doubles at the Paris Olympics. While Alcaraz has shown great emotion following the announcement of Nadal’s retirement, he has also been busy building his own legacy. This year, Alcaraz became the youngest male player to reach a major final on all three surfaces and captured both the French Open and Wimbledon, bringing his Grand Slam tally to four.
Meanwhile, Sinner claimed the other two Grand Slam titles this year, winning the Australian Open and U.S. Open. Despite their growing accomplishments, Nadal reiterated that the tennis world should give Alcaraz and Sinner the space to create their unique place in history, only comparing generations when their careers are complete.
Nadal’s humility and respect for the game continue to shine as he gracefully passes the torch to the new generation, reminding the tennis world to let history unfold naturally.