"Don't remember Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic winning everything at that age": David Ferrer backs Carlos Alcaraz amid back-to-back tournament setbacks

David Ferrer has voiced his support for fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz following the latter's recent setbacks. Alcaraz's struggles date back to his defeat against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 Cincinnati Masters.

Since his loss to the Serb in Cincinnati last year, the Spaniard has been unable to reach the final of any tournament, let alone win one. Alcaraz fell at the semifinal stage at the US Open, China Open and ATP Finals. He also lost in the Round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters, which was followed by an opening-round exit in Paris.

2024 hasn't been treating Alcaraz well either. The 20-year-old started his season at the Australian Open and made it to the quarterfinals, only to be defeated by Alexander Zverev. He then failed to defend his Argentina Open title, after which he retired hurt in his Rio Open opener.

But David Ferrer, Carlos Alcaraz's compatriot and Spain's Davis Cup captain, has come to the defense of the youngster. Ferrer likened Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, noting that even they didn't win everything at the young Spaniard's age.

"He is No. 2 in the world, but you cannot demand that a 20-year-old tennis player always win," Ferrer said in a press conference in Rio (via Eurosport).

"He is a special player, of the caliber of Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, or Novak Djokovic. But he still has a lot of time and you can't ask him to win everything. I don't remember Rafa, Djokovic winning everything at that age," he added.

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"Carlos Alcaraz is in a year of transition where it is logical that there will be more pressure" - David Ferrer

Carlos Alcaraz pictured with his Wimbledon 2023 trophy

David Ferrer also said it's understandable if everyone expects Carlos Alcaraz to win everything, given that he has already claimed two Grand Slam titles at such a young age.

"It is logical that we want him to win everything and in the last year and a half he has played at a very high level, having won two Grand Slams," Ferrer said in the aforementioned press conference.

However, according to Ferrer, it's important to acknowledge that Alcaraz is currently undergoing a transitional phase. Ferrer believes the 20-year-old needs to sustain a high level of performance as most of his opponents have become familiar with his game.

"Now Carlos [Alcaraz] is in a year of transition, a year where it is logical that there will be more pressure because you have to maintain the high level and also because his rivals know him better," Ferrer said.

Alcaraz suffered an ankle injury during his opening-round match against Thiago Monteiro at the Rio Open on Wednesday (February 21), forcing him to give a walkover.

The World No. 2 later shared on Instagram that he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 lateral sprain, which will sideline him for a few days. He is now eying a return at the Las Vegas exhibition match with Rafael Nadal on March 3, followed by the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (March 6-17).