Rafael Nadal rages over Carlos Alcaraz portrayal in new Netflix documentary
Carlos Alcaraz: My Way has been a major talking point since its release last month, with Rafael Nadal among those unimpressed by the depiction of the 22-year-old Spanish star
Rafael Nadal has made a decisive stand against Netflix's portrayal of rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, claiming that the recently dropped documentary fails to accurately capture his true character.
In "Carlos Alcaraz: My Way," audiences get what is pitched as an inside look at Alcaraz's world beyond the court, an angle that has drawn plenty of fan attention since its April debut. Yet Nadal, a titan of tennis with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, has voiced dissatisfaction over the series' depiction.
Highlighting a controversial scene where coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and agent Albert Molina voice their worries regarding Alcaraz's lifestyle choices, discussions around the young champion's focus and professionalism in the sport have ignited.
- Dave Portnoy highlights huge Fever difference after Caitlin Clark 'didn't play great'
- Kyle Larson's anxiety clear as NASCAR star in danger of more 'double' agony
Not shying away from confrontation, Nadal, who has been crowned the 'King of Clay,' blasted Netflix for broadcasting a one-sided image of Alcaraz.
Speaking to Diario AS, the seasoned player stated, "Knowing Carlos a bit, I think the documentary does not reflect his personality or how he lives his career.
"He does not appear as a tennis player who trains but as someone who loves partying and needs that – not very professional. And that's not true. Carlos is a great professional; he works very hard to bring his tennis and physique to the highest level."
"I think the documentary shows him in the wrong way because now people's perception is different from what his real life is."
Alcaraz, reflecting on the diverse reactions to his docuseries, shared with the Express: "I'm trying just to think not about that. Yeah, I hear good things, bad things about that. So I just want to keep in my path, keep in my own way.
"But sometimes they found it, like, weird following that path, like enjoying life, not being such a professional that probably they could do it. But, I mean, I just, as I said, follow with the things that I want, that I like, my team, the things that my team tells me, my close people, my family, and my friends, and that's it."
DON'T MISS
With an eye on the French Open, Alcaraz is eager to expand his Grand Slam tally. As the reigning Roland Garros champion, he's set to return to the iconic clay courts where he triumphed over Alexander Zverev last year with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in the final.
Initially slated to play Kei Nishikori in the first round, Alcaraz's draw has been altered due to Nishikori's withdrawal, pitting him against Giulio Zeppieri instead.
Nadal hung up his racket following the Davis Cup in November, leaving behind a legacy highlighted by his unmatched 14 victories at Roland Garros, spanning from his first in 2005 to his most recent in 2022.
