Toni Nadal, the legendary uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, has stirred the tennis world with his candid assessment of Carlos Alcaraz’s recent Australian Open win.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Toni suggested that the young Spaniard was “lucky” that his path to a Career Grand Slam included opponents he considered less challenging.
Alcaraz, just 22, fought back from a set down to defeat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
The win denied Djokovic his 11th Australian Open title and cemented Alcaraz’s place in history as the youngest man ever to complete a Career Grand Slam.
A New Chapter in Tennis History
Alcaraz’s comeback victory was particularly remarkable given Djokovic’s historical dominance at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic has never lost in an Australian Open final—until now.
The Spaniard’s win also offered a striking contrast to 2019, when Djokovic had swept Rafael Nadal aside in straight sets.
Nadal, now retired from that level of competition, was in the front row to witness Alcaraz’s showpiece triumph.
Comparing Generations: Alcaraz vs the Big Names
Toni Nadal drew comparisons between Alcaraz and past champions.
“Before, when you played against Juan [Del Potro], Andy [Murray], or Stan [Wawrinka], you knew it would be brutal. If they had a great day, you could lose,” he said.
According to Toni, the current generation hasn’t faced the same level of challenge.
Alcaraz’s path to the final included victories over Adam Walton, Yannick Hanfmann, Corentin Moutet, Tommy Paul, Alex de Minaur, and Alexander Zverev—a run Toni viewed as fortunate given the “lower calibre” of competition.
Spotlight on the Rising Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry
Toni also commented on Alcaraz’s emerging rivalry with Italian star Jannik Sinner.
When asked whom he preferred between the two, Toni admitted: “I personally prefer Alcaraz. The outcome of the match depends more on what he does. Sinner is solid and reliable, but Alcaraz has that spark.”
Sinner, the 2025 Australian Open champion, fell in the semi-finals this year, which will see him drop 1,200 ATP ranking points and widen Alcaraz’s lead at the top.
A noticeable gap is forming in the top 10, with Alcaraz sitting far ahead of both Djokovic in third and Alexander Bublik in 10th.
Alcaraz Reflects on His Historic Achievement
After clinching the trophy, Alcaraz expressed both relief and gratitude.
“It means the world to me. It’s a dream come true,” he said.
“Nobody knows how hard I’ve worked for this trophy. I just chased this moment relentlessly.”
By completing the Career Grand Slam, Alcaraz joins legends like Don Budge, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Remarkably, he did it faster than pre-WWII great Budge and became the youngest man to claim seven Grand Slam titles, outpacing the big three when they reached similar milestones.
The Humble Side of a Superstar
Despite his record-breaking achievements, Alcaraz remains grounded.
He joked about getting a “little kangaroo” tattoo to celebrate his Australian Open win but admitted he hasn’t had much time to soak in the magnitude of his career so far.
“Tennis is beautiful, but it’s relentless. Week after week, you barely have time to process what you’ve accomplished,” he explained.
“This year, I’ve learned to enjoy every moment—the victories, the losses, the tournaments. It’s an honor to have my name in the history books.”
Eyes on the Next Challenges
Even with three of the four major trophies in his collection, Alcaraz isn’t slowing down.
He aims to secure the remaining Masters 1000 titles, a season-ending championship, and a Davis Cup with Spain.
Currently, only the Canadian Open, Shanghai, and Paris Masters elude him.
“I hate losing, so that motivates me. I want to complete all the Masters 1000 at least once, plus the ATP Finals and Davis Cup for my country,” he said.
Winning all four majors in a single calendar year, a feat last achieved by Rod Laver in 1969, is also on Alcaraz’s radar—but he’s taking it one step at a time.
“The next goal is the French Open. I want to enjoy it and not put too much pressure on myself,” he added.
A Legacy in the Making
Carlos Alcaraz is more than a rising star; he’s already etching his name into tennis history.
With his skill, determination, and hunger for more titles, the tennis world is witnessing the start of what could be an extraordinary career that rivals the legends who came before him.
