With the ‘King of Clay’ having left Carlos Alcaraz to inherit his Roland Garros throne, the 21-year-old swiftly took up the reins in June to win his maiden French Open championship.

While lazy preconceptions of Spanish players are sometimes made, their tremendous court covering and big forehands are the components that carried Rafael Nadal to greatness and thus far, look to be propelling Alcaraz to stardom.

Despite Olympic doubles failure, the couple imposed their vitality and enthusiasm throughout their time together.

Spanish tennis looks in good hands, at least on the men’s side, with former world number two Paula Badosa aiming to bring herself back up the rankings, following an injury-hampered 18 months.

Who out of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz does Paula Badosa like more?

She has been looking on while her two compatriots fought heroically for their nation, and with the pair both so immediately likable, Badosa weighed in on who she preferred.

As reported on X, she said: “That’s so hard. That’s like choosing between your mama and father. I can’t decide.

“I have to answer. Rafa is my idol, but I love Carlitos and I know him well also. So…look I’ll go with Carlitos now.”

With Nadal Spain’s sporting star for roughly two decades, he swept away 22 grand slam trophies, including a stunning 14 French Open’s.

As the torch has been firmly transferred to Alcaraz, I assume Badosa is only looking to the future rather than reminiscing on the past.

Paula Badosa on who she prefers more between Nadal and Alcaraz 😅

“That’s so hard. That’s like choosing between your mama and father. I can’t decide. I have to answer. Rafa is my idol, but I love Carlitos and I know him well also. So…look I’ll go with Carlitos now.”

— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) July 31, 2024