The 20-year-old tennis prodigy from Spain Carlos Alcaraz is the next GOAT in the making. Alcaraz, an extremely skilled tennis player and the sport’s newest hotshot, has already won two grand slams. Alcaraz, who shares many characteristics with Nadal and is frequently—and rightfully—dubbed the “Next Nadal.”
After getting compliments for having the same resilience as the Spanish bull, Nadal, Alcaraz sparked comparison again with his new look for the US Open.
For the 1st time in 2023, Carlos Alcaraz/Nike going sleeveless at this #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/56bVlAyJrx
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 30, 2023
Tennis fans were unable to resist noticing Alcaraz’s striking resemblance to Nadal when he donned a sleeveless tank top for his match against Dominik Koepfer in the US Open’s first round. Over the years, Nadal has established the sleeveless shirt as his distinctive outfit, leaving spectators in awe of Nadal’s gun show each time he dons it.
Alcaraz was channeling Nadal while sporting his own tank top. Fans’ reactions to the appearance were mixed, with some falling in love with it and others being unimpressed.
Well Rafa is his idol. Wonder if he tries long hair and pirate pants next 😂?
— kjj (@jjk83) August 30, 2023
One user commented “Nadal Vibes. It’s to Scare Djoko.”
Nadal vibes. It’s to sacre Djoko
— Jln (@jln_min75) August 30, 2023
“I love Nadal and Alcaraz. But I hate sleeveless shirts on tennis players.” Said, a user Nishikori (@nishikoripicks). While another user commented frustratedly how the two Spanish are always compared. They added if for once Carlos could be in the spotlight.
Carlos Alcaraz revealed why he took on the sleeveless outfit
After Rafael Nadal immensely popularized the sleeveless shirt look on ATP tour, Alcaraz took inspiration from it and went for the same with Nike. The 20-year-old is wearing “an elastic sleeveless white shirt,” according to the Spanish publication MARCA, and “the shirt is completed with a stunning design at chest height.”
Nadal wore a purple and black sleeveless shirt at the last US Open he competed at in 2019. That year he won the championship by defeating Daniil Medvedev.
When asked about his new look, Alcaraz replied by saying he was inspired by Nadal. He added that he was thinking of the Spanish legend while finalizing the look. Carlos said, “Honestly, when I wear the sleeves, I was thinking about Rafa when he wear(s) that. He won that US Open, right?” (via Daily Express). Carlos went on to add that he loves the outfit and wears it often at tournaments.
Alcaraz defeated Ruud in four sets at Flushing Meadows last year to win his first Grand Slam. The victory also awarded him the world No. 1 ranking, making him the youngest-ever No. 1 at the age of 19. He will be aiming to win his second grand slam title this year after defeating Djokovic at Wimbledon.