Rafael Nadal praised Carlos Alcaraz, whom he spent time with at Paris 2024, saying that Alcaraz could be one of the best players in history, even though he’s currently feeling mentally worn out, especially after a busy year.

“I don’t think Alcaraz is mentally struggling. I think he’s just a bit tired and saturated. Maybe from all that he’s achieved this summer—winning Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and reaching the Olympics final. At some point, the mind needs a bit of rest. I saw he mentioned having some issues, but I don’t see any problems, quite the opposite. What I see is that an Olympic year with a tight schedule can be really demanding for someone who’s achieved so much,” Nadal said on Antena 3’s show El Hormiguero.

Nadal believes the comparison between Alcaraz and himself won’t hurt the young Spaniard. “I don’t think it will harm him because he’s good enough to handle it. He’s on his own path, and it’s incredibly pleasant to see someone like Carlos emerge after a career like mine,” said the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

“It’s hard for a country to produce a player like Alcaraz right after someone like me. I think he’s going to be one of the greatest in history, and I don’t think comparing him to me will affect him. Not today, anyway. As for the past, I don’t know,” Nadal added.