A combination of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz is most similar to a "killer": Facundo Bagnis

Facundo Bagnis lavished praise on Carlos Alcaraz ahead of their 2023 Miami Open second-round clash, calling the World No. 1 a dangerous combination of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

After beating Felipe Alves in his opener in Miami, Bagnis will take on defending champion Alcaraz for the second time on the ATP Tour, having lost the previous encounter in Umag last year. The duo have also met twice on the Challenger Tour, with both clashes going to the Spaniard.

Speaking to the ATP Tour ahead of the clash on Friday, the Argentine recalled how he had commented on the teenager's weak serve after their 2020 meeting, which is not the case anymore. Bagnis, therefore, was in awe of just how much the reigning US Open champion has improved since then, making him think of the teenager as having the best qualities of Federer and Nadal.

“I remember in Cordenons that I said his serve was not so good. Right now I cannot say the same thing. He has so much talent. His speed and he plays amazing shots in all the court," Bagnis said. "I think Carlos is a combination between Nadal and Federer, maybe.”

Facundo Bagnis also referred to Carlos Alcaraz as a "killer" for his relentless style of play, which combined with his repertoire of weapons and joyous attitude on the court, made him one of the toughest opponents in men's tennis at the moment.

“I think the key for him is the way that he competes on the court. His attitude, it’s amazing. Every time he’s celebrating with his bench. Every time he shows the best possible attitude. For me that is one of the best, toughest things in tennis,” Bagnis said.

“That he can do it at only 19 years is amazing. Another part is his tennis is magic, it’s amazing. But his attitude and mentality is so strong, also. I think Carlos Alcaraz is most similar to a killer. You cannot breathe. He’s attacking you all the time. He has so many shots and tricks,” he added.

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"I think I must focus and give my 100 per cent" - Facundo Bagnis on his upcoming clash against Carlos Alcaraz

BNP Paribas Open - Day 14

While Facundo Bagnis understood that he had a huge task ahead of him in the second round of the 2023 Miami Open, he did not want to rule out any chance of upsetting Carlos Alcaraz just yet. The Argentine promised to try his best against the World No. 1, hoping to discomfort the teenager and push him to his limits as much as possible.

“We will see the best of him because he’s the No. 1 and he won the last tournament. He came in with amazing confidence and also he won this tournament last year,” Bagnis said.

“I think the most important [thing] is to try to not be the sparring [partner] of the guy who is celebrated because you are playing against Carlos Alcaraz. I think I must focus and give my 100 per cent, try to put him in discomfort for sure and try to give the best of me, even playing with the best player in the world," he added.

The winner of the clash will take on either Dusan Lajovic or Maxime Cressy in the third round in Miami.