Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafa Nadal to carry out at a “spectacular level” on the French Open if the 14-times champion can overcome his damage points forward of the yr’s second grand slam.
Nadal skipped the continuing Madrid Open after a setback in his restoration from a hip damage sustained on the Australian Open in January.
The 22-times main champion additionally missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Alcaraz has emerged as favorite for Roland Garros after victories on clay at Buenos Aires and Barcelona, however the world No.2 mentioned Nadal couldn’t be written off and hopes his fellow Spaniard will return subsequent week in Rome.
“Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat,” Alcaraz informed reporters after beating Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-2 to succeed in 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 even be troublesome for him, tennis requires that aggressive rhythm, however Rafa is Rafa, even when he arrives with out many matches he’ll certainly present a spectacular stage.”
Alcaraz, who turns 20 on Friday, said reports of Nadal’s return were encouraging as he hoped to continue learning from the 36-year-old.
“I say this as a participant and as a tennis lover,” Alcaraz said. “It’s been a pity all these months the place we have not been capable of see him in tournaments.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
