Alcaraz places the warmth on Nadal as rival plots French Open comeback
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 individuals’s decide to win the title in Paris, he put the warmth straight again on Nadal and claimed that his fellow Spaniard is the favorite for Roland Garros.
Nadal has been sidelined since January and gave the impression to be unsure for the French Open when he pulled out of Madrid and posted a concerning injury update. But issues have rotated for the reason that world No 14 began a brand new therapy, with many claiming he’s now hoping to be again 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 younger compatriot was pleased to listen to the promising replace. “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 stated 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 desperate to be in the identical draw as one among his idols once more. “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 regardless of an almost-four-month harm layoff, placing the strain straight on his countryman’s shoulders as he declared him as a favorite on the French Open given his document. 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 professional Carlos Moya – who additionally thought an absence of matches didn’t have an effect on 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 advised L’Equipe.
But Alcaraz will probably be gunning to cease Nadal from profitable a record-extending fifteenth French Open and twenty third Grand Slam title. The world No 2 has already set his sights on the trophy and not too long ago advised 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.”