Carlos Alcaraz has responded to Rafael Nadal’s plans for a comeback in time for the French Open after the 36-year-old’s coach said he was aiming to play in Rome. While the world No 2 is many people’s pick to win the title in Paris, he put the heat straight back on Nadal and claimed that his fellow Spaniard is the favourite for Roland Garros.
Nadal has been sidelined since January and seemed to be in doubt for the French Open when he pulled out of Madrid and posted a concerning injury update. But things have turned around since the world No 14 started a new treatment, with many claiming he is now hoping to be back in time for Roland Garros.
Both Carlos Moya and Nadal’s uncle Toni have shared the Spaniard’s plans for an imminent return, and the 22-time Major champion’s young compatriot was happy to hear the promising update. “That Rafa returns is always good news, he is one of the best in history and we want to see him in all the tournaments,” Alcaraz said after his Madrid Open victory on Tuesday.
The nine-time title winner had previously shared his disappointment when Nadal pulled out of the Madrid Masters and was eager to be in the same draw as one of his idols again. “I say this as a player and as a tennis lover, I like to see him compete and learn from him. He has been a pity all these months where we have not been able to see him in tournaments,” he added.
And Alcaraz wasn’t counting Nadal out despite an almost-four-month injury layoff, putting the pressure straight on his countryman’s shoulders as he declared him as a favourite at the French Open given his record. The 19-year-old continued: “Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat.
“Although he has not played since Australia, a man who has won a tournament 14 times will always be difficult to beat in that tournament, even if he comes without match rhythm. It will also be difficult for him, tennis requires that competitive rhythm, but Rafa is Rafa, even if he arrives without many matches, he will surely show a spectacular level.”
It echoes a sentiment made by Nadal’s coach – former pro Carlos Moya – who also thought a lack of matches didn’t affect the world No 14. “I think it’s an urban legend that Nadal needs a lot of matches to be ready, when he came back from injury he always achieved good results,” the 1998 French Open champion told L’Equipe.
But Alcaraz will be gunning to stop Nadal from winning a record-extending 15th French Open and 23rd Grand Slam title. The world No 2 has already set his sights on the trophy and recently told Marca that he had a shot at beating the ‘King of Clay’ in Paris, saying: “I would love to play him at Roland Garros, measure myself against him and see what happens. I think I could beat him, but Rafa has a thousand lives there.”
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