Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has bagged a record 14 Roland Garros trophies. Regarded as the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal’s chances to appear for the 2024 French Open look distant, for he has been recuperating from a hip injury. He last played competitive tennis in January in Melbourne where he was knocked out in the early rounds. Since then, though he registered his names for Monte-Carlo Masters and Madrid Masters, he ended up withdrawing from both tournaments.
Now Rafael Nadal’s absence, not to forget, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic‘s withdrawal (as he is also recovering from an elbow injury), makes World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz the favorite to win the ongoing Madrid Masters. The teenager has been in sublime form and unstoppable. He is easily winning matches like it’s a cakewalk for him. Also Read: “She’s More Soft-Spoken. Yet When Iga Speaks, People Will Listen,” Chris Evert Lavishes Praise On Iga Swiatak For Not Yelling At Top Of Mountain
It’s uncertain whether Nadal will be able to play in France or not. But his compatriot Alcaraz still believes that if Nadal does play in the Clay Major, even without match practice and rhythm, he will be the favorite to emerge victorious.
“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,” Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference after beating Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in the fourth round which also happened to be a repeat of last year’s final.
“It will also be difficult for him, tennis requires that competitive rhythm, but Rafa is Rafa, if he arrives without many matches, he will surely show a spectacular level,” Alcaraz added.
Also Read: Andy Murray Out Of Madrid Open In Round 1
Carlos Alcaraz will clash against Karen Khachanov in the Madrid Open quarterfinals
After outclassing Alexander Zverev in the fourth round, Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals where he will be clashing against Russia’s Karen Khachanov on Wednesday (May 3).
In the fourth round, Alcaraz revenged his defeat to the German in last year’s French Open quarterfinals. The two-time Madrid Open champion Zverev could do little in the opening set and failed to trouble the Spaniard in the second set, losing the match in an hour and 22 minutes.
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