Tennis legend Ilie Nastase has never been shy about speaking his mind, and his latest comments are no different. In a candid interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former world No. 1 opened up about the Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz rivalry, ultimately declaring that it is the Spaniard who has stolen his admiration completely.
"I'm in love with Alcaraz," Nastase said plainly, explaining that his affection goes well beyond the Spaniard's dazzling shot-making. What truly resonates with the Romanian icon is the permanent smile Alcaraz carries on court, regardless of the situation. For Nastase, that attitude represents the purest relationship a player can have with the sport, and he used it to make a broader point about what separates champions from those who merely participate. Liking tennis is not enough, he argued. You have to love it.
The context for these comments is significant. Since the start of 2024, Alcaraz and Sinner have collectively dominated men's tennis, sharing five of the last eleven Grand Slam titles between them, with Alexander Zverev's 2026 French Open victory being the only interruption. Their head-to-head now stands at 17 meetings, with Alcaraz leading 10-7 overall, though Sinner has won their two most recent clashes. Alcaraz has also been sidelined since April with an injury, adding some uncertainty to his return to form.
Nastase himself made history as the very first player ranked world No. 1 when the ATP computerised rankings launched in 1973, a distinction he reflected on with quiet pride during the same interview. He won 64 career titles, including two Grand Slams, across nearly two decades on tour.
TennisDraw users have consistently backed Alcaraz deep into bracket predictions, and it is easy to see why legends like Nastase feel the same pull.
