Rafael Nadal already labels Carlos Alcaraz as a “legend”
Rafael Nadal dismissed the “prospect” label for world number one Carlos Alcaraz and questioned how many major opportunities remain for Novak Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal, 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
Retired tennis icon Rafael Nadal addressed the recent shift in the sport’s hierarchy during a charity golf appearance on Tuesday, defending the legacy of the Big Three while hailing Carlos Alcaraz’s ascent to legendary status.
Speaking at the Robinson Classic charity golf tournament in Mallorca on February 10, the 22-time Grand Slam champion reacted to the aftermath of the 2026 Australian Open, where Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to complete a career Grand Slam. Nadal was emphatic in his dismissal of labels describing the 22-year-old world number one as a developing talent.
“Alcaraz is not a prospect, he has seven Grand Slams,” Nadal told reporters. “He is already a legend of our sport. If you look at the great historical players, there are not many who have won seven majors. Calling him a prospect makes no sense.”
The Spaniard also provided a candid assessment of his former rival Novak Djokovic. While praising the 38-year-old Serb’s longevity as “admirable” and “spectacular,” Nadal suggested that the window for Djokovic to extend his record of 24 Grand Slam titles is narrowing.
“I don’t think Djokovic has that many left because of his age, but what he is achieving is admirable.”
“Djokovic is still there because he still can be,” Nadal observed. “He had a great opportunity in Melbourne. Honestly, I don’t think he has that many left because of his age, but what he is achieving is admirable.” Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam tournaments in career between 2008 an 2023, outlasting the 22 crowns won by Nadal between 2005 and 2022.
Nadal used his appearance to clarify his recent social media reaction to coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who had claimed that Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are currently playing at a higher technical level than the Big Three did in their prime. Nadal, who had originally responded to the claim with laughing emojis, expanded on his rebuttal using a football analogy.
“The analysis is incorrect,” Nadal said. “Comparing Alcaraz to today’s Novak would be like comparing the Lionel Messi of Barcelona to the current one, or the peak Cristiano Ronaldo to the current one. Each player is paving their own path. Having Carlos is a blessing; he is taking tennis to an incredible level.”
Reflecting on his own life since retiring at the end of 2024, the 39-year-old expressed a “completely different mindset” and total peace with his decision. “That part of my life is over,” Nadal said. “I am completely happy being able to watch my fellow players succeed. I enjoy golf because you are always in beautiful places and the risk for injury is very small.”
