"Even if he had taken the number 1 from me, I would have been happy" - Alcaraz on edging Nadal to Year End World No.1 spot

Carlos Alcaraz was happy to finish ahead of Nadal and claim his first year-end no. 1 rank but he would have been content with giving it to Nadal as well.

While Alcaraz grew up idolizing Federer and calling him his favourite player he has tremendous respect for Nadal as a player and as an icon of Spanish tennis. Alcaraz defeated him earlier this year in Madrid which was a huge moment for him but he was able to edge him out in the battle for the No. 1 spot as well despite winning one less grand slam this year.

On finishing the year as No. 1 Alcaraz said:

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"It's incredible that for so many years it was Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Murray, and then a 19-year-old 'Chico' comes along and succeeds in this. It means so much to me. Being a part of tennis history alongside these legends is just an incredible feeling."

On Nadal, he added:

"All my life, I have gone with Rafa and here also, I wanted him to win. Even if he had taken the number 1 from me, I would have been happy. I was hoping Djokovic would win against Tsitsipas because I also have a good relationship with Novak."