Rafael Nadal makes major prediction for Carlos Alcaraz days after Spaniard’s incredible US Open triumph
Nadal’s Bold Endorsement of a Rising Star
Days after Carlos Alcaraz’s sensational victory at the 2025 US Open, Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, made a significant prediction about his compatriot’s future, forecasting a “long and illustrious career” for the 22-year-old tennis prodigy. Speaking to Sportskeeda on September 11, 2025, Nadal praised Alcaraz’s passion, consistency, and love for the game, qualities he believes will propel the young Spaniard to sustained greatness. The endorsement from Nadal, a mentor to Alcaraz through his Mallorca academy, comes on the heels of Alcaraz’s sixth Grand Slam title, a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over Jannik Sinner in the US Open final, which reclaimed him the world No. 1 ranking.
Alcaraz’s Stellar 2025 and Nadal’s Vision
Nadal’s prediction highlights the ingredients he sees as key to Alcaraz’s longevity. “Carlos has everything to have a long and illustrious career,” Nadal said. “To keep having success, he needs to enjoy the moment, set objectives, and train every day with passion.” Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a testament to this formula, with seven titles, including the French Open and US Open, and 61 match wins. At 22, he matches Nadal’s six Slams at the same age, outpacing Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, and is the youngest man since Bjorn Borg to reach that mark.
Nadal, who has guided Alcaraz since his teens, emphasized the importance of balance. “Spain has a rich history in tennis, thanks to players like me and now Carlos,” he noted. “His legacy will continue if he keeps that fire.” Alcaraz credits Nadal for tactical advice, particularly on his serve, which delivered 10 aces and 84% first-serve points won in the US Open final. Nadal’s immediate post-match congratulations on X—“¡De nuevo Campeón 🏆 del @usopen y número 1! Felicidades por todo el trabajo que hay detrás de esta gran temporada 💪🏼”—underscored their bond.
The US Open Triumph: A Defining Moment
Alcaraz’s US Open win on September 7, 2025, was a masterclass, avenging his Wimbledon final loss to Sinner and ending the Italian’s 65-week reign at No. 1. Despite a 30-minute delay due to security protocols for former President Donald Trump’s attendance, Alcaraz dominated with 42 winners to Sinner’s 21, showcasing his versatility on hard courts. “It’s my first goal,” Alcaraz said post-match, eyeing a career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open, which would surpass Nadal’s record as the youngest man to complete the set at 24 in 2010.
The victory, worth a record $5 million (£3.7 million), capped a season of resilience for Alcaraz, who overcame early exits in Washington and Cincinnati to win seven titles. His locker room celebration at Chez Margaux with champagne and stars like Zendaya and Jon Hamm reflected his growing global appeal, amplified by his confirmed romance with model Brooks Nader.
Strategic Next Steps and Mentorship
Alcaraz’s immediate plans reflect Nadal’s advice to balance rest and ambition. He withdrew from Spain’s Davis Cup qualifier against Denmark (September 13-14, 2025) to recover, stating, “I’ve had an intense year, and I need time with my family.” His next competitive outing is the Laver Cup in San Francisco (September 19-21), where he’ll join Nadal for Team Europe under captain Yannick Noah, facing Team World led by John McEnroe. The event’s team format offers a low-stakes return before the Shanghai Masters (October 6-12), where Alcaraz will defend his title.
Nadal’s presence at the Laver Cup provides a platform for in-person mentorship, with Alcaraz calling it “special to share the court with Rafa.” Alcaraz’s schedule also includes the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia (October 15-18) and the Paris Masters (October 27-November 2), aiming for a strong finish at the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17). A second year-end No. 1 ranking is within reach, with Alcaraz leading Sinner by 2,590 points
