Nadal's hopes for new Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry in tennis

Spain’s legendary tennis star Rafael Nadal is hoping to see fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner build a rivalry in the future. The 38-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career.

Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis after the end of the upcoming Davis Cup quarterfinal round, where he will be playing for Spain. Ever since the Spaniard has announced his retirement, that will mark the end of the ‘Big Three’ rivalry between him, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.

Read also

Ivan Ljubicic expresses surprise at Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement - "To decide to quit, that is the hardest thing"

His and Federer’s departure has sparked debate about whether the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner are now ready to start a new rivalry in the near future. Both are currently regarded as the two best men’s tennis players in the singles category. Alcaraz, who is the current world number two, has won four Grand Slam titles in his young career. Sinner, on the other hand, who is the men’s world number one, has won two major titles in his career.

Nadal was recently quoted in a report where he expressed optimism that both Sinner and Alcaraz will build a new rivalry in the future. The 22-time Grand Slam winner also urged fans to be patient with the two and hope that both Alcaraz and Sinner will be able to create their own stories.

Read also

Andrea Petkovic gives touching tribute to Rafael Nadal - "There has never been an athlete who has achieved more"

"Carlos, Jannik, I think these guys are making a spoecial thing,” he said. “I wish them all the very best to keep growing. They are already huge stars. I'm sure that if they are able to stay free of injuries, they will build an amazing career. Number one and number two in the world. They are great in their own story. We need to wait. I do not think it is a moment to compare because Novak is still there. Roger and myself, we left or are going to leave soon. But that's part of the sports career of everyone. Now, it is a new generation coming. We need to let them create their own rivalries and own stories. They don't need comparisons with us. Let's see at the end of their careers, then is the moment to compare."