'Alcaraz Looks Like Rafa But Has More Speed' According To Nishikori

Carlos Alcaraz is the player everybody on the ATP Tour wants to play and beat, as Kei Nishikori added his name to that list.

Nishikori hasn't played on the ATP Tour in a very long time, but he recently made a winning comeback to the Tour after scoring a few good wins on the Challenger Tour. It took the Japanese player a long time to come back from injury, but he managed to get it done, and it worked out well for him so far.

There were many reasons why he wanted to come back, one of which is just to challenge himself once more as a player. He believed himself good enough to still win, and that seems to be the case judging by his level upon returning. Another reason to come back was his desire to try himself against some of these youngsters like Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and others.

One thing I hope to get the chance to do is to play against these great young players like Alcaraz, Rune and Sinner at some point. That’s part of my motivation to try to play for a few more years.

Nishikori on his motivation to get back

Like many, Nishikori is very impressed with Carlos Alcaraz, and while some might disagree, the Japanese player certainly sees some similarities between him and Rafael Nadal . Nishikori knows Nadal very well, as the Spaniard always spoke highly of him.

“I don’t think we have seen anyone like Alcaraz before. He looks like Rafa but he has more speed. Good defence, unbelievable forehand and he has a good backhand too.”

Nishikori on Alcaraz compared to Nadal

He'll get the chance, hopefully in the coming weeks, to face some of these big young names as we've got a few big events coming up with two Masters and a Grand Slam. Nishikori will be part of all of those.