"Just when Rafa is finishing another boy comes" – Carlos Alcaraz "blessing" for Spanish tennis as Rafael Nadal nears retirement, says Feliciano Lopez

Spanish tennis veteran Feliciano Lopez is excited about having compatriot Carlos Alcaraz lead the future of the sport in the country as Rafael Nadal’s almost 20 years of dominance nears its end.

With several World No. 1 players such as Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rafael Nadal and most recently Carlos Alcaraz, Spain has been one of the most successful countries in recent tennis history. The country currently accounts for 10 of the top 100 players in the ATP rankings and has previously seen numerous other players reach the top of the sport, including former World No. 3 David Ferrer and former World No. 12 Feliciano Lopez.

While many top Spaniards have remained in Rafael Nadal's shadow for almost two decades, 19-year-old Alcaraz’s arrival has well and truly broken the mold.

Feliciano Lopez, who is set to retire from tennis in 2023 after 26 years on tour, recently touched upon the bright future of tennis in Spain with the emergence of Alcaraz.

“Having a player capable of winning what he has won at the age of 19 is proof that the future is assured,” Lopez said in an interview with Marca. “It is a blessing that just when Rafa is finishing another boy comes out who has already achieved so much in the same country and in a country that does not invest much in sports.”

Alcaraz lifted five titles in 2022, including his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. In doing so, the Spaniard became the youngest player in ATP history to be World No. 1. Although the 19-year-old lifted his first year-end No. 1 trophy, his season concluded on a grim note, owing to injury.

Lifting his seventh career title in his first tournament back from injury at the 2023 Argentina Open, Alcaraz was showered with praise from Lopez.

“He had not competed for a while, played again and won in Buenos Aires. I think Carlitos will be there for many years because he is well surrounded and has everything to keep winning,” Feliciano Lopez said.

---

Carlos Alcaraz keeps Rio Open title defense hopes alive

The World No. 2 at the 2023 Rio Open

Carlos Alcaraz came close to defending his maiden ATP title at Umag last year, but fell short to arch-rival Jannik Sinner in the final.

The young Spaniard now has a chance to defend his second career title - earned at the 2022 Rio Open. The World No. 2 defeated home-favorite Mateus Alves in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round. He has now set up a clash against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini for a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

If Carlos Alcaraz successfully defends his title, he will be tied with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in ranking points. He, however, will have to surpass the Serb in points in order to restore his No. 1 ranking.