Carlos Alcaraz is known for speaking his mind, and this time was no different. When Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, made a bold suggestion about changing the sport, Alcaraz pushed back instantly and made it clear he didn’t agree with the idea. Ad Alcaraz wrapped up a phenomenal 2025 season, winning two Grand Slams at the French Open and the US Open and adding six more titles in Rotterdam, Monte Carlo, Rome, Queen’s Club, Cincinnati and Tokyo. He closed out the year as World No. 1 with a remarkable 71-9 record. Thanks for the submission! After the season ended, he sat down with the Spanish daily Marca for a wide-ranging conversation. During the interview, he was asked about Toni Nadal’s recent idea of reducing racquet size to limit the power in today’s game. Alcaraz didn’t support the suggestion and made it clear he wasn’t in favor of such a change. Ad Trending “Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and mentor, a highly respected figure on the men’s tennis circuit, says there should be changes in tennis so that players don’t hit the ball so hard. He suggests reducing the size of the rackets. Do you agree with that idea?” the interviewer asked. Carlos Alcaraz replied: “It would be like taking a step backward. Tennis started with wooden rackets, then moved to metal, aluminum, and now we have other types of rackets that allow you to generate more spin. Before, the game was played flatter, with more slice, without as much speed. Over the years, by Rafa’s time, the game was already played faster than before, and now it’s even faster.” Ad “We can’t go against evolution. We have to be physically prepared for the speed at which the game is being played. I’d say I don’t buy into that idea,” he added. Alcaraz came close to ending his season on a flawless note at the ATP Finals, but his run stopped just short of the trophy. Despite pushing hard, he was hampered by an injury during the match and ultimately lost to Jannik Sinner 6-7(4), 5-7. Ad Carlos Alcaraz recalls Rafael Nadal’s farewell at Davis Cup: “It was very tough and sad” Rafael Nadal played the final match of his career at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain. His last appearance came in the quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands, where he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4. Spain went on to lose the tie as well. Ad Alcaraz, who defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 after Nadal’s loss, later reflected on the moment during his interview with Marca. He said: “It was very tough and sad at the same time. I played my part in the singles, but I also played doubles and I feel responsible for not being able to advance. It was a very difficult moment.” Ad “But losing the doubles match at the Paris Olympics with him was harder than losing the Davis Cup,” he added. Carlos Alcaraz was expected to lead Spain in the Davis Cup this year but had to pull out at the last minute after scans showed swelling and muscle overload in his right hamstring, the same problem that affected him during his ATP Finals match against Jannik Sinner. He has now returned home to rest and begin daily treatment until the swelling goes down. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here Edited by Pritha Ghosh.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-carlos-alcaraz-firmly-shuts-rafael-nadal-s-uncle-toni-s-bold-suggestion-changes-tennis
Carlos Alcaraz firmly shuts down Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni’s bold suggestion for changes in tennis
