Alcaraz calls Federer the 'Messi of tennis'

"Messi is Argentina's superhero, and Federer is tennis's Messi," Alcaraz told Argentina's Ole newspaper on the sidelines of a training session to prepare for the ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires on February 12.

The 19-year-old tennis player praised Messi as a genius for playing like a walk, similar to the way Federer holds a racquet. He said: "Messi brought Argentina to the top in Qatar and I admire him. I love watching Messi, as well as watching Federer. I usually watch Federer's top matches all day."

The Argentina Open is Alcaraz's first tournament since pulling out of the Australian Open last month. He said he has recovered from his injury and is aiming to conquer the series in the Americas. After Argentina, Alcaraz will go to Brazil for the Rio Open, then the Mexican Open and two Masters 1000 events in the US.

Alcaraz lost world number one to Novak Djokovic after the Australian Open. The Spaniard considers this a normal thing in tennis. He said: "I never thought about staying number one all year. I knew someone would come out ahead. I just focused on improving myself to be at my best."

Alcaraz received the support of many Argentine audiences. Many spectators climbed to the roof of the stadium to watch the US Open champion practice for the past two days. Alcaraz will compete with Lorenzo Musetti and Cameron Norrie in the tournament starting at 11pm today, Hanoi time.

The defending Argentina Open champion is Casper Ruud. The Norwegian player did not participate in this year's tournament, and former US Open champion Dominic Thiem received a wildcard ticket.