Rafael Nadal's former coach gives Carlos Alcaraz reality check - 'He's no slave'

Rafael Nadal's long-time coach Carlos Moya has refuted the idea that must be a "slave to if he wants to achieve true greatness. Although he gave the young Spaniard a reality check, saying his lifestyle is only "viable for the short term".

Alcaraz is an So far, he has won the French Open, US Open, and two titles. His talent was clear from his professional debut in 2018, but the 22-year-old also enjoys the luxurious opportunities the sport brings to its rising stars.

has been warned by those within his inner circle that he will have to dedicate his life to tennis to become a legend of the sport, as was discussed in his new documentary.

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The new series, titled 'Carlos Alcaraz: My Way', frequently references Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, as the

But Alcaraz is adamant that he wants to "enjoy life" as a tennis star and is keen to continue indulging in a fun social life, and Moya has claimed that Nadal was not "a slave" to tennis, as the documentary suggested.

He said: "Wanting to be the best in history in that way... he might achieve it, but I find it difficult; I already find it difficult having a normal life. It's very complicated. It's clear that he could achieve it, but in the way he says?

"Of the three who have achieved it (Federer, Nadal and Djokovic), none have been like that. But maybe he's a guru, a pioneer, and he achieves it.

"It's impossible to win what he has won without discipline and without work. He is 21 years old; he has the right to live. What he's saying doesn't harm anyone. But is it sustainable in the long term? It's difficult, but he has a team who advises and guides him."

Moya acknowledged that Nadal wasn't one who attended many events or Formula One or races like Alcaraz, yet he managed to have a personal life alongside his tennis career.

But also pointed out that if Alcaraz wants to rival the achievements of the Big Three, then he'll need to commit significantly to the sport, suggesting that Alcaraz's current approach may only work "in the short term".

With the 2025 French Open on the horizon, Moya tipped Alcaraz as a top contender for the title at Roland Garros, while also naming Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud as potential challengers.

However, Moya emphasised that Djokovic remains a formidable opponent not to be overlooked. He said: "He is one of the best in history, and you should never rule him out."

He further warned those close to Alcaraz against putting too much pressure on the young star, considering his incredible achievements at such a tender age.

"It's not possible to achieve what he has without discipline and hard work," Moya added. "He's living in the moment; he's already won four Slams, which we sometimes forget. He deserves it."