Garbine Muguruza, the two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, has always been known for her bold and outspoken nature on and off the court. In a recent interview with Esquire, she opened up about how she sees the differences between two of Spain’s biggest tennis stars—Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal—and how she suspects Nadal’s reserved personality may have contributed to the “rebel” label she has carried throughout her career.
Alcaraz vs. Nadal: Contrasting Personalities
When Carlos Alcaraz began rising through the ranks in 2022, the comparisons to Nadal were inevitable. Both players hail from Spain and share an intense passion for the sport. As Alcaraz has continued to shine, winning four Grand Slam titles by the age of 21 and achieving the world No. 1 ranking, the comparisons between the two have grown stronger. However, while their on-court dominance is similar, Muguruza believes their personalities set them apart.
“Alcaraz is much more open in sharing his thoughts and feelings compared to Nadal,” Muguruza noted. She pointed out that Alcaraz brings a fresh and unfiltered perspective to the game, whereas Nadal has always been more cautious in his public statements. “There are moments when we think a lot about what we say, especially so that it doesn’t backfire. But I like to say what I think. Rafa is more reserved in that respect. I like Carlos, I see him more confident, younger, speaking more and saying what he thinks. And I believe people also appreciate that—being unafraid to express yourself openly,” she explained.
Alcaraz: The New Face of Spanish Tennis
Alcaraz has quickly become a fan favorite, not just for his extraordinary talent but for his infectious personality. His enthusiasm, genuine excitement on the court, and candid interviews have endeared him to fans around the globe. Muguruza admires this aspect of his character, emphasizing that being unfiltered and authentic resonates with people in today’s world.
“People appreciate honesty. It’s refreshing to see someone like Carlos who isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. That kind of authenticity is rare, and I think it’s part of why fans love him so much,” Muguruza continued.
In contrast, Nadal has always maintained a more measured and calculated approach to the media. Known for his humility and respect for his opponents, Nadal rarely lets emotions cloud his words. While this has earned him immense respect, Muguruza believes it’s also made it harder for other Spanish players to be themselves without being compared to him.
Muguruza: Branded a Rebel
For Muguruza, the comparison to Nadal’s reserved demeanor may have played a role in her being labeled a “rebel” early in her career. While she has achieved significant success, including winning the French Open in 2016 and Wimbledon in 2017, her passionate and sometimes fiery nature on the court has been misunderstood by some, particularly in Spain.
“I don’t know why I’ve been labeled as rebellious and misunderstood. Maybe it’s because on the boys’ side, it’s been very quiet thanks to Rafa,” Muguruza reflected. She explained that Nadal’s stoic presence as Spain’s tennis icon may have set certain expectations for how Spanish players should conduct themselves, especially on the men’s side. In contrast, Muguruza has always worn her emotions on her sleeve.
“By showing a little more happiness or anger and not being so emotionless, I’ve been branded as a rebel, but I haven’t felt like that at all. I’m a very emotional person on court, you could see it on my face,” she said.
Her intensity and passion for the game have sometimes been perceived as rebellious behavior, but Muguruza insists that she has always stayed true to herself. “I’m not one to hold back my emotions. If I’m happy, you’ll see it. If I’m frustrated, you’ll see that too. But that doesn’t mean I’m rebellious—it means I’m human,” she added.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Muguruza’s career has been filled with incredible highs, including her two Grand Slam titles and a brief stint as the world No. 1. However, it has also been marked by periods of inconsistency and struggles. In early 2023, after a string of early exits from tournaments, Muguruza made the decision to take a break from tennis, a move that shocked many in the tennis world.
In the spring of 2024, Muguruza officially confirmed her retirement from professional tennis. After a career filled with triumphs, she decided it was time to step away and focus on other aspects of her life. “I’ve given everything I have to this sport, and I have no regrets. But it’s time for a new chapter,” she said at the time.
Her decision to step back was met with widespread admiration from fans and fellow players alike, who praised her for prioritizing her mental and emotional well-being. Muguruza has been open about the toll that professional tennis can take on a player, both physically and mentally, and she hopes that her story can inspire others to prioritize self-care.
Reflecting on Nadal’s Influence
As Muguruza looks back on her career, she can’t help but reflect on Nadal’s influence, both directly and indirectly. While she greatly admires Nadal’s achievements and the respect he commands on and off the court, she also recognizes that his reserved nature has shaped perceptions of other Spanish players, including herself.
“Rafa is a legend, there’s no question about that. But I do think that his personality has set certain expectations for how Spanish players should behave. And when you don’t fit into that mold, people can misunderstand you,” Muguruza said.
Despite the challenges she faced, Muguruza remains proud of her career and the legacy she leaves behind. “I’ve always been true to myself, and that’s something I’ll never apologize for,” she said. “I hope that future generations of players, especially from Spain, feel empowered to be themselves, no matter what the expectations are.”
Moving Forward
As Muguruza moves on from professional tennis, she remains an important voice in the sport. Her candidness and willingness to speak out about the challenges of being a professional athlete have made her a role model for many.
Looking ahead, Muguruza is excited to explore new opportunities, both within and outside of tennis. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter, whatever that may be. Tennis has given me so much, and now I’m ready to give back in new ways,” she concluded.
Garbine Muguruza’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and staying true to oneself—a reminder that there is no single way to be successful, and that authenticity is one of the most powerful traits a person can have.
