Alcaraz doesn't want to be compared to Nadal

In a video congratulating him on signing up to compete in this year's Queen's Club tournament, Alcaraz said the comparison to Nadal doesn't make him uncomfortable, but it's something he doesn't want the media to talk about.

"Comparing me to someone who has had 22 Grand Slams is absurd," Alcaraz said in an interview after the 2022 US Open, which marked the 19-year-old's first Grand Slam win.

Former Roger Federer coach Paul Annacone thinks Alcaraz is not like Nadal. "I think Alcaraz is more like Federer," Annacone said in an interview after the Masters 1000 at Indian Wells last week. "Alcaraz hits the ball early and is ready to overtake. Nadal at 19 doesn't play like that. Alcaraz gives the feeling that he always has enough time to prepare for the shot, like Federer."

According to coach Annacone, who is directing Taylor Fritz, Alcaraz has the ability to change the speed of the ball, possessing abundant energy, explosiveness and flexibility. These factors helped Alcaraz beat Daniil Medvedev at his peak to claim the BNP Paribas Open title last week.

Former number one Australian doubles, Rennae Stubbs believes Alcaraz has the qualities of all three of the "Big 3". She said: "Alcaraz makes Medvedev look terrible. I see him as having the ability to finish the net like Federer, the flexible left-hand like Djokovic and the tenacity of Nadal."

Alcaraz on March 19 became the first person since Federer in 2017 to win the Indian Wells title without losing a set. Alcaraz's eighth career title and third Masters 1000 championship. Only Nadal and Alcaraz have won three Masters 1000 or more in their teens. Thanks to this championship, Alcaraz reclaimed the world number one position from Djokovic. He needs to win the Miami Open next week to keep his spot.