14 February 2023 , 17:24
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Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has selected his “Messi of tennis” amid the debate of who is the greatest player of all time.
The 19-year-old burst onto the scene last season becoming the youngest ever world No.1 after winning his first Grand Slam tournament at the US Open. Alcaraz finished 2022 as the best ranked tennis player, but lost his title by sitting out the Australian Open due to picking up a muscle injury.
Alcaraz will begin his season at this week's Buenos Aires Open clay court tournament when he will be top seed. Ahead of the tournament the Spaniard was asked who is the "Messi of tennis".
"Roger, because of the talent he has and the ease with which he plays," Alcaraz replied as reported by Eurosport
The young Spaniard won't have the chance to play against Roger Federer competitively again after the 20-time Grand Slam winner retired last year - after struggling to recover from having knee surgery.
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
Alcaraz has been compared to fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal, but has idolised Federer from a young age. During an old video clip of the rising star with Tennis TV he said: "I love to play very aggressively with a lot of winners. My style is more or less like Federer’s, aggressively coming to the net and playing drop shots, trying to do what Federer does."
Who is the GOAT of male tennis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section
Carlos Alcaraz has picked out Roger Federer as his 'Messi of tennis' (Getty Images)The debate over who is the GOAT of male tennis continues with Novak Djokovic matching Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles at last month's Australian Open.
Spaniard Nadal, aged 36, crashed out at Melbourne Park in the second round while suffering from a hip injury. Despite having an injury early in the tournament himself 35-year-old Djokovic went on to clinch his 10th Australian Open crown.
Despite naming Federer as his GOAT, Alcaraz spoke about his admiration for both Nadal and Djokovic who continue to battle for the game's biggest honours.
Carlos Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam tournament at last year's US Open (Getty Images)"I want to continue winning many Grand Slams and for that I have to pay attention to Djokovic and Rafa, because the years go by and they continue to win those tournaments and continue to give their best level," Alcaraz added.
"And that is what I would like to me: keep myself at the best level as the years go by."
Alcaraz is set to open his Buenos Aires Open campaign with a second round match against world No.57 Laslo Djere after being handed a bye in the first round.
British star Cameron Norrie is number two seed for the tournament and also received a first round bye. He will face either Federico Coria or Facundo Diaz Acosta in the second round.