Borg pushes Alcaraz: “He will win as much as Nadal, if not more”

[NoleFam]

But why are you going in circles.

Djokovic has pretty slow start compared to raz age to age. Just agree. Raz will turn 23 by the time he might be at five slams compared to 1 for nole so that is slow.

Now , raz can say he wants to be the best and someone like Bjorn can say he will match Nadal. There is absolutely no issue for each.

Both are not guaranteeing this will happen but they see it happening.

We both know he had a slow start compared to Alcaraz, who won 4 Slams from 19-21 compared to Djokovic's 1, but there's no guarantee Alcaraz will reel off 6 Slams at 27-29 like Djokovic did either. That's why we have to wait and see his evolution and progression. Winning tons of Slams is a marathon not a sprint and a head start doesn't necessarily mean you will catch guys with 20+ Slams. I don't even see why Borg is even thinking about that prospect this soon but to each their own.

 

[nolefam_2024]

We both know he had a slow start compared to Alcaraz, who won 4 Slams from 19-21 compared to Djokovic's 1, but there's no guarantee Alcaraz will reel off 6 Slams at 27-29 like Djokovic did either. That's why we have to wait and see his evolution and progression. Winning tons of Slams is a marathon not a sprint and a head start doesn't necessarily mean you will catch guys with 20+ Slams. I don't even see why Borg is even thinking about that prospect this soon but to each their own.

There are no guarantees in life.

Saying raz will match Nadal should not be controversial. He has won 4 at the age Nadal won 3.

 

[NoleFam]

There are no guarantees in life.

Saying raz will match Nadal should not be controversial. He has won 4 at the age Nadal won 3.

Who said it was controversial? I just think it's premature.

 

[Federev]

But numbers are actual facts. Djokovic's 24 is 24, there's no debate. That isn't an opinion, it's a fact.
What is debatable is context that's added to slam titles by fans like quality of competition, surfaces etc.
That's my general point. When Djokovic breaks Nadal's record, who is saying "but he vultured those slams" outside of fans on a message board or social media? It doesn't matter in the grand scheme, Djokovic has the record and no manipulation of his accomplishment will change that in a historical sense. Debating the quality of 24 is, well, up for debate, debating 24 is not. See what I mean?

But yes, we're going in circles. Thanks for the friendly exchange, those are in short supply around here at times.

I agree with much of what you wrote. Especially the part about 24 being 24!

And thank YOU - you were equally - if not more so - non-inflammatory and mature!

 

[nolefam_2024]

Who said it was controversial? I just think it's premature.

Premature is members like you know who that declare sinner will win cygs etc.

This is long term prediction.

 

[Angrybirdstar]

Bjorn Borg recognizing the greatness of a true surface-versatile Channel Slammer unlike the Big 3 frauds, ik that's right

 

[Mustard]

What happened between Clay season till Olympics is marvellous but its not like Nadal was infallible.

Nadal seemed to be at times in mid 2008. Nadal won 8 tournaments in 4 months, which Djokovic and Federer never did.

When Nadal led Djokovic 14-4 in the head-to-head after 2009 Madrid, it seemed extraordinary because it was a tougher matchup.

 

[Nappa]

I can see him winning 14 Wimbledon's

AO 0
RG 1
WB 14
Uso 1

=16 4th of open era

 

[nolefam_2024]

Nadal seemed to be at times in mid 2008. Nadal won 8 tournaments in 4 months, which Djokovic and Federer never did.

When Nadal led Djokovic 14-4 in the head-to-head after 2009 Madrid, it seemed extraordinary because it was a tougher matchup.

After what Raz is aged today.

If Rafa can fail and still win 6 HC slams, Raz is actually ahead.

14-4 after madrid 2009 and also he was few points from dropping to number 3 in 2008.

 

[AndrewUtz]

i see you’ve created new threads since i’ve created my last one. surely you must’ve just accidentally not seen mine @Winner Sinner , i can’t think of any other reason you wouldn’t reply

 

[M4tchP0int]

If Carlos can get the serving numbers up, which he is working on since start of the season, he can have very good HC numbers.

34.3% break percentage right now in 2025 better than Nadal 30.05% break percentage on HC in 2008.

I think the break numbers are harder to improve than serve numbers.

At the moment, the only categories where Alcaraz is ahead of where Nadal was at the same age are number of majors (4 to 3) and number of Wimbledons (2 to 0). By February 2009, when Nadal was age 22 years and 8 months, Nadal had 6 majors, so will Alcaraz still be ahead in major total at their equivalent ages after the 2026 Australian Open?

Also ahead in weeks number 1 and YE°1

 

[Mustard]

Also ahead in weeks number 1 and YE°1

Alcaraz doesn't have a noughties Federer to deal with.

 

[captainbryce]

At best i see Carlos winning 10-12 slams, Sinner has a higher ceiling thanks to his reliable play style

I think much more of it comes down to who manages their health better over the long term. What people never seem to take into consideration in these types of conversations is injuries (or the potential for them).

 

[nolefam_2024]

Also ahead in weeks number 1 and YE°1

Weeks

Dude Carlos won't be number 1 in normal times. Nadal in 2005 won way more pts than Carlos in 2022. a slam and 4 masters

Around 9490 points for Nadal and just 7000 points for Raz in 2022. Raz was practically handed number 1 ranking because Djokovic was BANNED and even then wimbledon points were removed (I added 180 for raz in here). So I won't include number 1

 

[RF-18]

So Borg sees Nadal as the current GOAT then it seems. Quite clearly uses Nadal as the measuring stick.

He uses Nadal as an example because his numbers are more realistic to catch, even if it's hard, but Alcaraz talent and potential can make up for it. There are lots of stuff Alcaraz can pursue to reach Nadals overall numbers. Djokovic's career on the other hand is unattainable.

 

[nolefam_2024]

I think much more of it comes down to who manages their health better over the long term. What people never seem to take into consideration in these types of conversations is injuries (or the potential for them).

Simple reply to this.

NADAL fans claim he is most injured person in history of tennis and he still has 22 slams. The health aspect is overrated. Raz does not have Nadal type injuries at all. He had some injuries but he is far smarter than Nadal in how he plays a match.

In general an Alcaraz is far more deadly than Nadal in rallies not playing waiting game as well. This should help him in keeping himself fresh. He also does not play 40+ clay matches like Nadal did in his youth.
52 in 2005
26 in 2006
32 in 2007
25 in 2008
Total 135 matches on clay in four years.

Raz played
30 in 2022
28 in 2023
21 in 2024 (Olympics added 6)

So just 79 matches in 3 years on clay.

 

[M4tchP0int]

Weeks

Dude Carlos won't be number 1 in normal times. Nadal in 2005 won way more pts than Carlos in 2022. a slam and 4 masters

Around 9490 points for Nadal and just 7000 points for Raz in 2022. Raz was practically handed number 1 ranking because Djokovic was BANNED and even then wimbledon points were removed (I added 180 for raz in here). So I won't include number 1

Agree, his weeks are asterisked but this year they are no valid excuses if Sinner fails to finish number 1 and carlos manage to grab the top spot.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Agree, his weeks are asterisked but this year they are no valid excuses if Sinner fails to finish number 1 and carlos manage to grab the top spot.

Yes agreed. I don't think sinner would and Djokovic also wouldn't have if he was banned for 3 months like Sinner. But he was not allowed to major holding countries due to vaccine issue.

 

[sportsfan1]

Carlos isn't reaching nadal's accomplishments with sinner around. Borg was likely being diplomatic while in Spain.

Alcaraz surpassing Nadal means, Borg thinks he will be second only to Djokovic, and knock Nadal down to number three.

Interesting that he feels Djokovic cannot be caught.

Novak got very lucky with 2-3 generations worth of walkover players. He smartly won more titles than in his prime when he often was unsuccessful defending titles. Borg understands such a weak era will not happen anytime soon.

 

[TheFifthSet]

It's about numbers. If Alcaraz wins 23 slams, he surpasses Nadal. It doesn't what you or others consider to be the bigger accomplishment based on quality of competition. The numbers would favor Alcaraz.

Exactly. If Alcaraz ends up winning 23 Majors playing about as well as he is now (and not significantly better) he will indeed likely pass Nadal in the public eye.

And that, I would contend, is bad. I’m sure you can steelman the argument for why someone would think it’s bad. You were getting close.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Google says

While it's difficult to definitively say Alcaraz is "more efficient" than Nadal in every aspect, Alcaraz's game is more aggressive and takes more calculated risks, while Nadal's style was more focused on consistency and defensive play, according to ESPN. Alcaraz's willingness to go for winners, even from defensive positions, and his ability to win a higher percentage of points in shorter rallies (1-3 shots) suggest a more efficient approach in some areas.

Far more efficient.

Data agrees.

Alcaraz has generally stronger serve than Nadal (unreturned) and finishes rallies much earlier.

Alcaraz is already near the peak ace rate nadal achieved in his career and I would say Raz serve will get a lot stronger.

Nadal finished his career with highest 6.8 hit in 2019 , the year he changed his serve in Australia and was winning more points freely.

Raz last year was at 6.3 and this year maybe he will get to 6.8 himself.

 

[TheFifthSet]

Let's demolish Nadal career numbers 1 by 1.

What are the tournaments Nadal never won.

Miami - done
Atp finals - let's see very possible

Now what are the tournaments he won just once
Cincinnati - very possible soon
Madrid (Paris) - possible soon

Defending non clay slams - done
Defending non clay title - Nadal 1 , Carlos 1 , let's see if he can do it on another


Then we will go to next level which will take time.

More grass titles - Nadal 4 raz 3
More channel slams? - Nadal 1 raz 1
Youngest cgs - Nadal 24 raz has 2 more chances.

Let's take things AWAY from Nadal one by one.

Ok great.

He’s still a better player than Alcaraz.

 

[big ted]

he has to do is win 2 slams a year for the next 12 years… his game is too up and down to win 3 in a year

 

[nolefam_2024]

he has to do is win 2 slams a year for the next 12 years… his game is too up and down to win 3 in a year

That means nothing

He won 2 on a dime in 2024. No prep at all.

 

[big ted]

That means nothing

He won 2 on a dime in 2024. No prep at all.

2 isn’t 3 tho. I already said he could win 2

 

[nolefam_2024]

2 isn’t 3 tho. I already said he could win 2

That again means nothing. He won 2 on a dime. a channel slam. not many players in history ever did it.

This can't win 3 but won channel makes no sense to me. AO is actually very spread out slam from rg/wimby , he can win ao and then flop for months before picking up again

and on top of that , another assumption the inconsistency will remain THIS bad forever. no reason why. even a guy like zverev became consistent in BO5 with age, thiem did

 

[McGradey]

These projections are equally inane whether coming from fans or pundits.

 

[I Am Finnish]

@Lleytonstation strongly disagrees

 

[EddieChang]

2 5 4 3 - very realistic
2 14 2 4

He can win Wimbledon more he already has 2 at 21

 

[duaneeo]

I see Alcaraz winning the same number of slams (+/- 1) as pre-IE Nadal.

 

[Tennis Devolution]

5'11 propaganda

Well bjorn borg has now become a complete shill of the completely corrupt tennis establishment because carlos alcaraz with his completely eternal losing head-to-head with rafael nadal can never ever be a true all-time great let alone be better than rafael nadal.

 

[Hitman]

Carlos isn't reaching nadal's accomplishments with sinner around. Borg was likely being diplomatic while in Spain.


Novak got very lucky with 2-3 generations worth of walkover players. He smartly won more titles than in his prime when he often was unsuccessful defending titles. Borg understands such a weak era will not happen anytime soon.

Nadal is only two titles behind him....so your comment doesn't really hold that much water. If he expects him to surpass Nadal, that means he is right on Djokovic's tail.

 

[adil1972]

Bjorn Borg makes massive Carlos Alcaraz prediction involving Rafael Nadal

Tennis icon Bjorn Borg has addressed the prospect of Carlos Alcaraz matching the staggering accomplishments of his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal.

www.tennis365.com

Post # 4100

 

[DSH]

Nadal was never "perfectly healthy" once he was diagnosed with Mueller-Weiss syndrome in late 2005.

Nadal is not a tennis player, he is an injured player who plays tennis, as his uncle said a few years ago.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Today this opinion means nothing.

He can or he can't. What we can say is he is on right path. No one can promise 18 more slams for him or anyone.

"Right path" is mere opinion with no weight at all, leaning more in the "I hope" zone than analysis based on fact, such as his increasing difficulties on HC, exemplified by this year's Australian Open defeat at the hands of a man who is old and closer to retirement than not. "Right Path" should have guided him toward answers to a problem he is not solving.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Djokovic didn't start talking that way until he reached 10 Slams and his target to reach was 17, a lot less than 22.

I dont mind the talking. But you have to deal with the heat in the meantime. Djoker did not always handle that well, but in the end it worked out.

 

[NoleFam]

I dont mind the talking. But you have to deal with the heat in the meantime. Djoker did not always handle that well, but in the end it worked out.

I don't mind any ambition but I wouldn't worry about reaching 20 Slams this early, but just take it one tournament at a time. I don't remember Djokovic receiving any heat for saying he wanted to break Federer's records or had a problem handling questions about it.

 

[Hitman]

Nadal is not a tennis player, he is an injured player who plays tennis, as his uncle said a few years ago.

This

 

[Lleytonstation]

I don't mind any ambition but I wouldn't worry about reaching 20 Slams this early, but just take it one tournament at a time. I don't remember Djokovic receiving any heat for saying he wanted to break Federer's records or had a problem handling questions about it.

He indeed struggled with not getting his recognition. Maybe not specifically records, but he felt left out and it showed. Difference is, Carlos does not have those guys on tour.

So not really the same.

Either way, if you talk a big game, you have to live the big consequences of that. That is just life.

 

[NoleFam]

He indeed struggled with not getting his recognition. Maybe not specifically records, but he felt left out and it showed. Difference is, Carlos does not have those guys on tour.

So not really the same.

Either way, if you talk a big game, you have to live the big consequences of that. That is just life.

I think he felt slighted when crowds would be against him when he was top dog in tennis but learned to turn that into fuel when on court; he definitely wanted a warmer reception overall from fans, and Becker spilled the beans on that when he was coaching him. He spoke his mind about his ambitions though and was able to back it up.

 

[BenBen]

Federer' predisposition is defensive counterpunching that eventually evolved into an offensive nightmare for opponents. Alcaraz's default programming is to Rublev despite growing up on red clay. Carlos has already shown the ability to create and win with craft. I hope he continues to evolve this aspect of his gam; a mimesis of his idols.

 

[toth]

I dont like this type of statements
There are many factors for example his rivals or injuries
It does not make much sense for me
Just my opinion

 

[Tennis Devolution]

Federer' predisposition is defensive counterpunching that eventually evolved into an offensive nightmare for opponents. Alcaraz's default programming is to Rublev despite growing up on red clay. Carlos has already shown the ability to create and win with craft. I hope he continues to evolve this aspect of his gam; a mimesis of his idols.

No, carlos alcaraz has not evolved tennis in any way because carlos alcaraz has actually completely devolved tennis.

 

[Tennis Devolution]

I dont like this type of statements
There are many factors for example his rivals or injuries
It does not make much sense for me
Just my opinion

Well here is the real, true, UNCENSORED interview from bjorn borg about carlos alcaraz:

Question: "So bjorn, what do you really think about carlos alcaraz?"

Bjorn borg: "Well, I practically have to be completely politically correct all the time when talking to the completely corrupt tennis establishment so this time for the first time in my life, I am gonna be completely honest with you all and I will not hold back any punches so here it goes. The truth is that carlo alcaraz is a complete utter fraud. That's right, I said it guys, carlos alcaraz is a complete utter fraud who will never ever be a true all-time great ever no matter what the completely corrupt argumentless tennis media propaganda says because all true all-time greats completely evolve the game by completely overcoming their predecessors and carlos alcaraz with his completely eternal losing head-to-head with rafael nadal can never ever be a true all-time great ever no matter what happens. That's right, you can never ever deny the TRUTH."

 

[toth]

Well here is the real, true, UNCENSORED interview from bjorn borg about carlos alcaraz:

Question: "So bjorn, what do you really think about carlos alcaraz?"

Bjorn borg: "Well, I practically have to be completely politically correct all the time when talking to the completely corrupt tennis establishment so this time for the first time in my life, I am gonna be completely honest with you all and I will not hold back any punches so here it goes. The truth is that carlo alcaraz is a complete utter fraud. That's right, I said it guys, carlos alcaraz is a complete utter fraud who will never ever be a true all-time great ever no matter what the completely corrupt argumentless tennis media propaganda says because all true all-time greats completely evolve the game by completely overcoming their predecessors and carlos alcaraz with his completely eternal losing head-to-head with rafael nadal can never ever be a true all-time great ever no matter what happens. That's right, you can never ever deny the TRUTH."

tahnks for sharing

 

[Tennis Devolution]

tahnks for sharing

GOOD.

 

[toth]

GOOD.

i try to interpret it (English is my second-third lenguegue)
,,utter freud" seems to be an unusual word from a legend
maybe my dictianory is not good enough

 

[The_Order]

Borg knows how pitiful the competition is...

 

[Tennis Devolution]

i try to interpret it (English is my second-third lenguegue)
,,utter freud" seems to be an unusual word from a legend
maybe my dictianory is not good enough

The TRUTH can never ever be denied.

 

[toth]

The TRUTH can never ever be denied.

could you clarify for me
what do you mean exactly?