He’s just as tough as Nadal

WHEN I look at Carlos Alcaraz, I see a 19-year-old who could become an all-time great. There really is something special about this kid.

His idol is Rafa Nadal, who broke through at a similar age, and it’s interesting to compare the Spaniards as teenagers.

Everyone is talking about Carlos’s forehand drop shot — it’s deadly. Rafa didn’t have a shot in the same league at his age.

Carlos’s powerful ground strokes push opponents back and, when he uses the drop shot, they have to run miles to reach the ball. Not only that, but he takes the racket back exactly as if he is hitting a long forehand. That disguise isn’t easy.

His backhand is awesome, too. He’s already got so much variety to it. He can take it on the rise, he can catch it early and smother it. Whether it is down the line or cross-court, he rarely misses.

Rafa’s forehand when he was 19 was quicker. Even back then, it was his money shot. Carlos’s isn’t as good as that yet but I predict he’ll get there. His slice is better than Rafa’s was. At the start of his career, it lacked bite.

Carlos has a good rather than great serve but it will only improve too. Like Rafa did, he will increase its speed with experience.

In terms of court speed, the teenage Rafa might have had the edge but there’s not much in it. Each man is lightning fast.

Both read the game superbly well and their temperaments are similar. Rafa has always had inner steel, while Carlos is as tough as nails.

Rafa has won 21 Grand Slam singles titles, more than any male player in the modern era. I’d bet on his heir apparent reaching double figures as well.