4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rafael Nadal's uncle blasts Carlos Alcaraz in rant and suggests he quit tennis
Toni Nadal has suggested that Carlos Alcaraz should retire from playing tennis if he is unable to deal with the pressures of the sport, after hearing about the young sensation's antics in his Netflix docu-series
Toni Nadal, the uncle and former coach of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, suggested that Carlos Alcaraz should quit tennis if he can't cope with the sport's pressures. Speaking on the Nude Project podcast, Toni discussed his nephew's retirement before turning his attention to Alcaraz's Netflix docu-series, which revealed his off-court life, including a party trip to Ibiza weeks before Wimbledon.
Alcaraz said in the series: "I ended up going and they know what I'm going there to do. In Ibiza, I'm not going to lie, it's pretty much all about partying and going out.
"I basically went there to reventar [literally, 'burst' in Spanish], I'm not sure if that's the best way to put it, but I went there to go out."
Despite not having watched the show, Toni didn't hold back in his critique of the world No. 2's behaviour, saying: "If it is too much for him, then he should quit tennis. I understand things differently in life.
"In the world of sports, everything tends to be exaggerated. I've often heard about the sacrifice in sports, the sacrifices made by Real Madrid athletes, and I would say: 'Sacrifice?'
"Life is about making choices, not just doing what I want. Sometimes it's worth it for people, and sometimes it's not. If it's not worth it for you, it's better to change jobs."
He added (via the Express): "I hope Alcaraz doesn't change jobs because he's one of the best in the world, but one has to take on the challenge.
"One must accept that things in life will involve a series of compromises. I don't talk about sacrifices because I think that sacrifice is what you do for others.
"When you do it for yourself, it's the price you have to pay. Alcaraz, being a great tennis player, indeed pays a price.
"But on the other hand, he earns much more money than the vast majority of young people his age, has much greater social recognition, and experiences things that few people do... but if it's not worth it for you, better make a decision."
Alcaraz has already amassed an enviable collection of Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledon victories, a French Open, and a US Open.
And while there have been comparisons between Alcaraz and Nadal - who secured 22 Grand Slams during his glorious career - there is still work to be done before the two can truly be compared.
Alcaraz has his eyes set on another title this May as he continues to wow at Roland Garros. Following victories over Giulio Zeppieri, Fabian Marozsan, Damir Dzumhur and Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old has reached the quarter-finals.
To move into the semis, Alcaraz needs a win over the world's current No. 12, Tommy Paul. Tennis fans can watch Alcaraz and Paul go head-to-head at 7:15pm at the Court Philippe-Chatrier on Tuesday.
