Alcaraz believes Nadal remains the man to beat at Roland Garros, and expects Rafa Nadal to reach a ‘spectacular level’ at Roland Garros if the fourteenth player in the world manages to overcome his injury problems before the second Grand Prix Slam of the year.
Nadal has sat out the current Madrid Open after suffering a relapse in his recovery from a hip injury picked up at the Australian Open in January. He also missed tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Alcaraz became favorites for Roland Garros after wins on clay in Buenos Aires and Barcelona, but the world number two said Nadal should not be forgotten and hoped his compatriot returns next week in Rome . “I hope he will be in Rome and then at Roland-Garros, where he will be a rival to beat,” Alcaraz told reporters after beating Alexander Zverev (6-1, 6-2) on Tuesday to reach the quarters. Madrid final.
“Even if he hasn’t played since Australia, a man who has won a tournament 14 times will still be tough to beat in this tournament, even if he arrives with no match pace.” “It will also be difficult for him, tennis demands this rhythm of competition, but Rafa is Rafa, even if he arrives without many matches, he will certainly show a spectacular level”.
Alcaraz, who will turn 20 on Friday, said reports of Nadal’s return were encouraging and he hoped to continue learning from the 36-year-old. “I say that as a player and as a tennis fan,” Alcaraz said. “It’s a shame we haven’t been able to see him in tournaments all these months.”
