He is lucky: Tony Nadal feels Carlos Alcarazs opponents are of lower calibre compared to past greats
Rafael Nadal's uncle and his former coach Toni Nadal has said Carlos Alcaraz is lucky to be playing in an era where he has to face low calibre opponents.
Legendary tennis coach Toni Nadal feels Carlos Alcaraz is lucky to be playing in an era of weaker opposition compared to the past greats, including the likes of his nephew Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Nadal, who coached his nephew Rafael to an impressive 16 of the 22 Grand Slams he won in his career, said the level has gone down in world tennis.
Alcaraz on Sunday defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open final to win his maiden title Down Under and complete a Career Grand Slam. Alcaraz scripted history by becoming the youngest male player to achieve a Career Grand Slam at the age of 22.
The Spanish world no.1 defeated Djokovic 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 in the final to deny the Serbian ace a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic, who is already the most decorated player in men's tennis history, is chasing an elusive 25th Grand Slam to become the most successful player of all time in men's and women's tennis across all eras.
As Alcaraz continues to forge dominance in world tennis, Nadal hailed the 22-year-old's physical attributes and his technique. However, he insisted the current world no.1 is lucky to be competing at a time when players don't pose the same challenge as the likes of Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro did at the time of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic.
"He (Alcaraz) has exceptional physical attributes, excellent technical skill, and on top of that, he’s lucky: his opponents are of a lower calibre. And I’m not saying this because I’m Rafael Nadal’s uncle – not at all. I try to be fair, but it’s clear," said Nadal on Onda Cero radio.
"Before, when you went out to play against [Juan] Del Potro, [Andy] Murray, or [Stan] Wawrinka , you knew you were going to suffer and that the match was going to be tough. If they had a great day, they could beat you," he added.
Alexander Zverev is the only one who can challenger Sinner, Alcaraz: Nadal
Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated men's tennis, sharing Grand Slam titles between them one tournament after another in the last two years. The duo have won the last nine Grand Slam titles between them, effectively ending any competition from a third player.
While Djokovic continues to battle hard for an elusive 25th Grand Slam despite turning 38, he has failed to get past Sinner and Alcaraz. Toni Nadal believes among the current generation of players, only Alexander Zverev has the potential to challenge the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner.
"He’s the only one who could take on Alcaraz and Sinner, as long as he changes some habits in his game and his character," Nadal said about Zverev, who bowed out of the semi-finals after a loss against Alcaraz in the Australian Open 2026.
When asked to pick one between Alcaraz and Sinner, Nadal preferred the Spaniard, however, he insisted the latter is a more solid and reliable player.
"Personally, I much prefer Alcaraz. When they face each other, the match depends more on what the Murcian does. Looking at the numbers, I think Sinner is a little more reliable; he’s a little more solid,” said the former coach of Rafael Nadal.