Carlos Alcaraz prefers “speaking and saying what he thinks” more than Rafael Nadal, according to compatriot and former world No 1 Garbine Muguruza.
Endless comparisons have been made between Alcaraz and Nadal ever since the former began to burst on the same, with some picking out endless similarities between the two.
And the 21-year-old has undoubtedly made an impressive start to his career, winning four Grand Slam singles titles and already peaking at world No 1 in the ATP Rankings.
Nadal, meanwhile, is in the twilight of his career, though that comes after an extraordinary reign at the top of the game which saw him win 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
As a Spanish player, Muguruza – who officially called time on her career this year – is well-placed to compare the two, though highlighted a key difference between the pair.
Speaking to Esquire, the former Wimbledon and French Open winner said that Alcaraz was more confident – while Nadal was more reserved.
“There are moments when we think a lot about what we say, especially so that it doesn’t backfire,” said Muguruza.
“But I like to say what I think. Rafa is more reserved in that respect. I like Carlos, I see him more confident, younger, speaking more and saying what he thinks.
“And I believe people also appreciate that and not measuring your words so much.”
Muguruza also believes that Nadal’s more reserved nature may have seen her face extra criticism during her career – and that her style had more in common with Alcaraz.
“I don’t know why I’ve been labelled as rebellious and misunderstood. Maybe it’s because on the boys’ side it’s been very quiet thanks to Rafa.
“By showing a little more happiness or anger and not being so emotionless, I’ve been branded as a rebel, but I haven’t felt like that at all.
“I’m a very emotional person on court, you could see it on my face.”
Alcaraz is set to be back in action this week after his US Open campaign came to a shock early exit.
The third seed was one of the favourites for the title after his French Open and Wimbledon triumphs, though he lost to Botic van de Zanschulp in straight sets in the second round.
The world No 3 – who drops to fourth on Monday – will be in Davis Cup qualifier action for Spain, the nation facing Australia, Czechia, and France for a place in the Finals.
Meanwhile, Nadal skipped US Open action due to fitness concerns and will next be in action at the Laver Cup in Berlin later this month.
