Carlos Alcaraz is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players on the ATP Tour, but according to two former tennis stars, he still has a long way to go mentally if he wants to reach Rafael Nadal’s level.
After falling short against Novak Djokovic in the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, Alcaraz has come under scrutiny for his inability to close out big matches with the same ruthless efficiency as his legendary compatriot.
Paolo Bertolucci: “Alcaraz Is Miles Away from Nadal Mentally”
Former Davis Cup champion Paolo Bertolucci didn’t hold back when comparing Alcaraz’s mindset to that of his idol, Rafael Nadal.
“Alcaraz is sleeveless like Nadal, he plays differently, but he is a thousand miles away from Rafa in his head,” Bertolucci told Sky Sports Italia. “He should have gone 2-1 in the match with Nole and probably would have brought the match home.”
Bertolucci’s criticism stems from Alcaraz’s loss of focus against Djokovic in Melbourne.
Despite winning the first set and facing a physically compromised Djokovic, Alcaraz failed to take advantage, allowing the Serbian legend to recover and dominate the latter stages of the match.
Adriano Panatta: “Alcaraz Can No Longer Afford to Lose to Djokovic”
1976 French Open champion Adriano Panatta took things a step further, suggesting that Alcaraz should now be at a level where he simply doesn’t lose to Djokovic in Grand Slam matches.
“Mentally, Djokovic crushes anyone, and Alcaraz fell for it completely,” Panatta said. “Novak is a great champion, phenomenal, nice or unpleasant—it’s subjective.”
But Panatta’s real challenge to Alcaraz was crystal clear:
“He can no longer afford to lose against Novak. Three out of five, Alcaraz must be at a level that he should no longer be beaten by Nole.”
Is the Criticism Fair? Alcaraz Has Already Proven His Mental Strength
While Bertolucci and Panatta’s words were harsh, they ignore the fact that Alcaraz has already displayed incredible mental toughness throughout his young career.
- 2022 US Open: Alcaraz won three consecutive five-set matches en route to his first Grand Slam title—a feat that requires serious mental and physical resilience.
- 2023 Wimbledon: He outlasted Djokovic in a five-set epic, snapping Novak’s 10-year unbeaten streak at SW19 and proving he could handle high-pressure moments.
- 2024 French Open: Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets to claim his first Roland Garros title, once again showing he can deliver in marathon matches.
Few players have accomplished so much, so young. And while he may not yet have Nadal’s level of mental steel, he’s far ahead of where most champions were at his age.
Patrick Mouratoglou Defends Alcaraz, Says He’s Still Ahead of Jannik Sinner
While Bertolucci and Panatta were critical, Patrick Mouratoglou—coach of Naomi Osaka and former mentor to Serena Williams—came to Alcaraz’s defense.
“Jannik Sinner should not be considered better than Alcaraz,” Mouratoglou said, pointing out that Alcaraz has already won four Grand Slams, compared to Sinner’s three.
What’s Next? The 2026 Australian Open Could Be Historic
Had Alcaraz won in Melbourne, he would have become the youngest player in history to complete a Career Grand Slam.
However, he still has time. If he wins the 2026 Australian Open, he will still set the record as the youngest player ever to achieve the feat.
Bottom Line: Alcaraz Has the Talent—Now, Can He Build Nadal-Level Mentality?
The raw ability is undeniable. But as former pros have pointed out, if Alcaraz wants to dominate like Nadal and Djokovic, he must develop an even sharper killer instinct and learn to close out big matches more efficiently.
Can he do it? History suggests he absolutely can.
And if he does—the tennis world may be witnessing the birth of the next all-time great.
