“I hope Alcaraz is the Vinicius of tennis, but may he enjoy it”

Carlos Alcaraz arouses interest, expectation and enthusiasm in equal parts in the world of sports, not only in tennis. This Thursday, two ex-footballers of Real Madrid and the Spanish National Team, Fernando Hierro and Fernando Morientes, participated in a soccer-tennis exhibition match organized by LaLiga in Madrid’s Palacio de Cristal de la Casa de Campo, in which they faced the former tennis players Álex Corretja and Alberto Berasategui. Then they attended to the media and, among other things, They spoke about the 18-year-old from Murcia before his foreseeable debut this Friday in the Davis Cup Finals.

“Hopefully it is the Vinicius of tennis,” Hierro said when they raised that comparison of Alcaraz with the white club footballer. “Although we are very used to that comparisons appear when we talk about very young boys, and they are usually obnoxious. We are going to let you enjoy. He is a boy who transmits that passion for tennis, he is talented beyond belief. Everyone is excited that he will have a great career, which he will be. But you have to let it grow, be calm, mature and make mistakes as we have all done in our professions. But if you notice the talent. I’m one of those who watch his matches because I really like his tennis. “

“Spain has casualties, but with the arrival of Alcaraz they are replaced”said Berasategui. “Carlos has improved a lot. Within the world of tennis it was already known that he would be good. He has not reached the ceiling, he still has a long way to go to improve and climb the ranking. In the hands of Juan Carlos (Ferrero) he has taken a leap and has shown courage at 18 years of age and a know-how that speaks of how well he and his team have been taking his steps. He’s showing how good he is and how far he’s going to go. “The 1994 Roland Garros finalist believes that” Davis is a tournament that suits Alcaraz. ” , playing in front of your audience, something that will motivate you even more. He wants to show how good he is and that gives him extra motivation. “

“Alcaraz is a new illusion”

Corretja highlighted the attractiveness that Alcaraz represents: “Without wanting to transfer the pressure due to the absence of Rafa Nadal, I think it is a new illusion and a great appeal for everyone to have Carlos. It generates an expectation that we have not had for a long time or only someone very great generates. The Davis fits him like a glove, because he transmits energy, transmits passion and people are going to vibrate with him because he makes you get up from your chair. He has to learn to manage situations, not spend more energy than he has to … For that is Sergi Bruguera as captain, a great who has been there and knows how to do it. Alcaraz is a great player. You have to let your heart carry you, but win with your head “.

Morientes also surrenders to the figure of the tennis player from El Palmar: “He is a young boy, with a natural, fantastic talent … Although I am very suspicious that he is said to be the new Nadal. Let us. Right now we are enjoying him a lot, but he has a lot to learn, although he is going to be very happy. “