Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafa Nadal to accomplish at a “spectacular level” on the French Open if the 14-time champion can triumph over his harm problems forward of the yr’s 2d Grand Slam.
Nadal skipped the continued Madrid Open after a setback in his restoration from a hip harm sustained on the Australian Open in January. The 22-time main champion additionally neglected tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Alcaraz has emerged as a favourite for Roland Garros after victories on clay at Buenos Aires and Barcelona however the international quantity two stated Nadal can’t be written off and hopes his fellow Spaniard will go back subsequent week in Rome.
“Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat,” Alcaraz advised newshounds after beating Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to succeed in the Madrid quarter-finals.
“Although he hasn’t performed since Australia, a person who has gained a event 14 occasions will all the time be tricky to overcome in that event, even supposing he comes with out fit rhythm.
“It’ll also be difficult for him, tennis requires that competitive rhythm, but Rafa is Rafa, even if he arrives without many matches, he’ll surely show a spectacular level.”
Alcaraz, who turns 20 on Friday, stated studies of Nadal’s go back have been encouraging as he was hoping to keep learning from the 36-year-old.
“I say this as a player and as a tennis lover,” Alcaraz stated. “It’s been a pity all these months where we haven’t been able to see him in tournaments.”