"He is a thousand miles away from Rafa in his head" - Former tennis star compares Carlos Alcaraz's mental strength to that of Nadal

Despite the similarities in play style, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz still trails compatriot Rafael Nadal when it comes to mental fortitude, according to retired Italian tennis star Paolo Bertolucci.

Alcaraz has been hailed as the successor to his legendary countryman, and the 21-year old seems to be on the right path after having won four Grand Slam titles and captured the World No.1 ranking in the process. However, former Italian player Bertolucci believes the younger Spaniard lacks the unparalleled mental strength of the now-retired Nadal.

In a blockbuster quarterfinal encounter at the 2025 Australian Open, Alcaraz faced 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic as he continued his quest for a career Grand Slam. However, the Serbian superstar prevailed, as Alcaraz appeared out of sorts towards the end of the match.

In an interview following the Australian Open, Bertolucci and retired compatriot Adrian Panatta discussed the quarterfinal bout between Alcaraz and Djokovic, highlighting the difference in mental strength between Nadal and his younger countryman.

"Alcaraz is sleeveless like Nadal, he plays differently but he is a thousand miles away from Rafa in his head," said Bertolucci. "It has nothing to do with it, they are not both Spanish. He should have gone 2-1 in the match with Nole and probably would have brought the match home."

"But even a set tied, with Djokovic, he can no longer lose," added Panatta. "He can no longer afford to lose against Novak. He was defeated in Paris two out of three but it was something special, a final on clay at the Olympics. Three out of five Alcaraz must be at a level that he should no longer be beaten by Nole.
"Mentally he crushes anyone, the other one took the bait with all his boots - referring to the physical problems he suffered during the match, considering the improvements the player from Belgrade had in the third and fourth sets. Novak is a great champion, phenomenal, nice or unpleasant, it's subjective."