Rafael Nadal is not my enemy, says World number 1 Carlos Alcaraz

The World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that Rafael Nadal is not his enemy as both the Spanish players battle for the numero uno position in the Pepperstone ATP rankings before the end of the season. Alcaraz has 6730 points under his belt while Nadal has 5810 points in the rankings.

As Paris Masters and Nitto ATP Finals are the two big events left in the tennis calendar, both Alcaraz and Nadal will be determined to give their best and end their respective season on a high.

“Rafa is not my enemy. I say hello, I don’t see that competition. With the rest of the players, it’s the same. Beyond that relationship I’ll try to keep being No. 1,” said Alcaraz while talking to Eurosport.

The youngster added that he and Nadal are colleagues outside the court and they share a good bond with each other.

“I don’t see it that way. It’s true, Rafa is fighting for the No. 1. Some players have the same goal – to be number 1, so I need to do my best. Outside the court we [Rafa and I] are colleagues, at least it’s the way I see it,” Alcaraz added.

Alcaraz had become the World No.1 after winning the New York Major and added that it has been a dream come true for him.

“It is an incredible feeling, waking up as No. 1, the US Open winner. It’s a dream come true. I am enjoying this moment so far. I keep working, my life is still the same, I’m still the same kid, same player. Just keep practising, keep improving,” said Alcaraz.

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal had earlier revealed that he is not fighting to be the World No.1 at this stage of his career.

“I do not fight to be No. 1 but to be competitive in every event I play. I will not chase that at this stage of my career. I had that goal in the past and was happy and proud when I achieved that for the first time in 2008,” Rafael Nadal said in the press conference.

Alcaraz will take on Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round of the Paris Masters while Nadal will face Tommy Paul.