Roger Federer's former coach details why Carlos Alcaraz resembles the Swiss legend much more than he does Rafael Nadal

Paul Annacone, a former coach of Roger Federer, recently opined that World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz more closely resembles the Swiss master than his fellow countryman Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz is currently on cloud nine, having returned to the top of the ATP rankings after winning his first Masters 1000 title of the season. The Spaniard returned to the tour in February following an injury which saw him miss the ATP Finals as well as the 2023 Australian Open. On March 20, the US Open winner beat former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 to win the Indian Wells Masters.

As quoted by The New York Times, Annacone reflected on Alcaraz's style and stated that the Spanish teenager resembles Federer more than Nadal. Annacone is a former American tennis player who has coached Grand Slam winners such as Federer, Pete Sampras, Sloane Stephens, and Stan Wawrinka in the past. The American is currently a Tennis Channel analyst and also works with Taylor Fritz.

"I think he’s a lot more like Roger than Rafa, because Rafa couldn’t take the ball early like this when he was 19, and Rafa couldn’t come forward like this. Roger could always stay on the baseline and always look like he had time, and that’s how this kid looks," Annacone said.

Annacone also labeled the Spaniard as "the most complete" 19-year-old men’s player. He shed some light on Alcaraz's playing style as well, marveling at how the World No. 1 can seemingly "do everything" on the tennis court.

“The interesting thing for me is watching someone who is this athletically talented with his running, jumping, explosiveness and flexibility, but also has the hand-eye coordination to be able to take the ball early on the rise, come forward and volley,” Annacone said. “He also can back up and change pace. He can do everything.”

How has Carlos Alcaraz fared in the 2023 season so far?

Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open

Carlos Alcaraz missed the 2023 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam since his US Open triumph last year, in January due to injury. The Spaniard played his first tournament of the season in Buenos Aires -- the Argentina Open. The teenager picked up from where he left it as he played sensational tennis to win the title, beating Cameron Norrie in the summit clash.

At the Rio Open, the Spanish teenager continued his form as he reached the final once again in hopes of defending his title. Up against Norrie for the second time in as many weeks, the Spaniard suffered an injury scare as he lost the title to the Brit in three sets.

Carlos Alcaraz then won the 2023 Indian Wells Masters by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final, reclaiming the World No. 1 spot in the process. En route to the title, the Spaniard beat the likes of Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime, among others.