Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are born champions: Bernabe Zapata Miralles lauds compatriots' "winning instincts"

Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles has showered praise on countrymen Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, saying that their winning instincts set them apart from other players.

Although World No. 42 Miralles is yet to face the 22-time Grand Slam champion on the tour, he has locked horns with the 2022 US Open winner twice. Alcaraz defeated the 26-year-old in the first round of the 2021 French Open in four sets and again in the semifinals of the 2023 Argentina Open in straight sets a few days ago.

Speaking to Marca recently, Miralles labeled his two compatriots "born champions" for their winning mentality. He made special mention of Nadal and Alcaraz's strong hold on their emotions while competing for the most prestigious trophies on the tour.

"Both Carlos and Rafa are born champions. Winning is the priority for them," Miralles said. "They have a winning instinct inside, which is what differentiates them the most from other players."

"They are born with how they manage their emotions on the court when they are playing for the number one spot or a Grand Slam final at such a young age. It is a gift but you have to work on it. With Nadal, we worked on it, and with Carlos as well," he added.

Zapata Miralles also reached the last four at the recently-concluded ATP 500 Rio Open in Brazil, where he lost to eventual champion Cameron Norrie. The Spaniard is set to face Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the first round of the first Masters 1000 tournament of the year — the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

As Nadal continues his recovery from an injury suffered at the 2023 Australian Open, he will miss both Indian Wells and the Miami Open. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has played in two events so far this season, reaching the final on both occasions. While he beat Norrie to win the Argentina Open, the Brit avenged his loss in the Rio Open final.

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"I'll be back when I'm well" - Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal during the 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal suffered a severe hip injury during his second-round loss at the 2023 Australian Open. During a recent conversation with Television Espanola, the World No. 9 stated that he is working hard to get back on the tour as soon as possible.

"I'm recovering. In Australia, I had a pretty major breakdown, unfortunately, and it's taking time," he said. "I'm doing all the work I can every day to try to recover in the best possible way and then we'll see; day by day."

"If I do not know [when I will be back in action] how can I say? I don't know. I'll be back when I'm well. You have to have a little patience," he added.

Regardless, the 36-year-old is set to drop out of the ATP top 10 rankings on March 20 due to his prolonged absence.