Carlos Alcaraz hopes to face Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros
Number two in tennis has his eyes on the prize
The 19-year-old Spanish young sensation Carlos Alcaraz, currently world number two in tennis hopes that his fellow countryman Rafael Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam men's singles titles, returns to his outstanding form at the French Open should the record 14-time French Open-winner recovers from injury in time.
Alcaraz, who is turning 20 on May 5, Friday, is the youngest man to top the singles rankings at 19 years, 4 months and 6 days old, and the first teenager in the Open Era to top the men's rankings.
Rafael Nadal, who has had his fair share of struggle with injuries throughout his career, had to skip the ongoing Madrid Open as he had some complications in his recent hip injury. The 36-year-old Spaniard has already missed major tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Despite emerging as favourite for Roland Garros, thanks to his victories on clay at Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Alcaraz says that Nadal cannot be written off and wishes him a speedy recovery.
"Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat," Alcaraz told reporters after he defeated the German Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the Madrid quarter-finals.
"Although he hasn't 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'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," said Alcaraz.
The soon-to-be 20-year-old Spaniard welcomed the reports of Nadal's return as he hopes to continue learning from the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
"I say this as a player and as a tennis lover," said Alcaraz. "It's been a pity all these months where we haven't been able to see him in tournaments."
It must be noted that Alcaraz and Nadal have faced each other three times, where the latter leads with two wins against the former. Although the last time the two Spaniards had a face-off, the winner was the 19-year-old Alcaraz who defeated Nadal 6-2, 1-6 and 6-3.
Comments