Rafael Nadal might not have played any competitive tennis since the Australian Open, but Carlos Alcaraz still considers him the player to beat at the 2023 French Open. Alcaraz, who recently made it to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open, shared his thoughts on Nadal’s impending return to action and his chances at Roland Garros during a press conference.
On Nadal’s lack of match practice
Carlos Alcaraz admitted that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will arrive in Paris lacking match practice but believes that his compatriot is capable of playing at a “spectacular” level regardless. Nadal is currently nursing a hip injury that he picked up at the Melbourne Major and has been training hard to make a return. Alcaraz expressed, “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.”
Praising Nadal and hoping for his return
Like most tennis fans, Alcaraz hopes to see Nadal back in action soon. He remarked that it has been a “pity” not seeing him compete on tour for so long. Alcaraz said, “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, I say this as a player and as a tennis lover, I like to see him compete and learn from him. It has been a pity all these months where we have not been able to see him in tournaments. Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat.”
Carlos Alcaraz on his own mindset and skills
Carlos Alcaraz then turned his attention to his own level in Madrid. He acknowledged that when he is playing at his very best, he is a nightmare of sorts for any opponent. At the same time, the Spaniard maintained that he did not think he was better than anyone else. Instead, he just believes that no one can beat him without playing at a very high level. The teenager went on to philosophize a bit, stating that one’s most difficult opponent on the court was oneself and that that was the opponent he was really trying to conquer. Alcaraz said, “When I feel physically well and with confidence, I know that it is a great difficulty for the rivals, but I don’t feel superior to anyone nor am I better than anyone. I am simply aware that the opponent has to play at a very high level to beat me.”
