"My childhood idol and idol of all Spanish fans" - Carlos Alcaraz hails Rafael Nadal over legendary career

Carlos Alcaraz has hailed his compatriot Rafael Nadal as the person he idolised while growing up.

The 19-year-old is the youngest ATP World No. 1 in history and is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the sport right now. Nadal, meanwhile, is one of the best ever to wield a tennis racquet.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner has won numerous titles and accolades during his illustrious career spanning two decades. Nadal has won a record 14 Roland Garros titles and is one of only two male players in the Open Era to win the career Grand Slam and the Olympic singles gold medal.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz's early exploits have elicited comparisons with Nadal. The 19-year-old is the youngest top-ten player and double Masters 1000 winner in two decades since Nadal. Currently on a four-month injury layoff, the Spaniard is set to return to action at the Argentina Open next week.

As quoted by Marca, Alcaraz talked about how Nadal is looked up to by not just him but all Spanish fans for what he brings to the court and beyond.

"He was my childhood idol, and he is the idol of all Spanish fans of tennis and sports in general because of his career, his charisma, his work, his mentality," he said.

Talking about his goals ahead, Alcaraz said that he has surprised himself by his early success but wants to continue improving and enjoying himself on the court.

"I achieved my dream very quickly, and it took me a bit by surprise," said Alcaraz. "I need and want to continue improving, that is the key. I like to play tennis beyond the results and I want to continue enjoying it. Despite having been number one, I have many things to improve".

Alcaraz hasn't played competitively since the Paris Masters last year, while Nadal is out with a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open last month.

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"I know it's not going to be easy after not competing for so long" - Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to action next week.

Carlos Alcaraz was set to compete at the Australian Open last week, but a freak injury in training ruled him out.

Now ready to play his first competitive match in four months, the Spaniard knows that continuing from where he left off is not going to be easy.

"It's going to be my first tournament since Paris. Four months have passed, but I always think about winning. I know it's not going to be easy after not competing for so long. I've come a few days before to train with good players and pick up that pace. I know my coach won here, and he has told me good things about the tournament," the 19-year-old said.

Carlos Alcaraz's 20-week stint at No. 1 came to an end after Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open to return to the summit.