The young star paid tribute to his compatriot after his disappointing display against Holger Rune.
Carlos Alcaraz lost in straight sets against Holger Rune. (Image: Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz has lauded Rafael Nadal’s consistency on clay after losing in the final of the Barcelona Open. The Spaniard went into the tournament off the back of a victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters and was expected to prevail again on home soil.
However, hampered by a leg injury, Alcaraz was beaten 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 in Sunday’s final by Holger Rune. The result meant Alcaraz missed out on the unique Monte-Carlo and Madrid double, a feat Nadal achieved 10 times in his illustrious career. The 21-year-old was dignified afterwards and admitted the intense schedule this month had taken its toll.
“I didn’t think about that, but I did know it would be hard and demanding,” she said. “I had the faith of playing good tennis, which I think I have done. This is demanding, you must give your 100 per cent every day.”
He then paid tribute to Nadal for his relentless dominance on clay during his illustrious career. Furthermore, he revealed the icon had contacted him to offer support ahead of this week’s Madrid Open.
Rafael Nadal played the Barcelona Open for the final time last year. (Image: Getty)
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“Having played so many matches without rest is what he (Nadal) had,” said Alacaraz. “Playing Monte Carlo and arriving in Barcelona with a few days is always complicated. I surrender to the feet of Rafa Nadal.
“He did it week after week. Rafa doesn’t give me advice, he has written to me encouraging me, saying he hopes it’s nothing and that in Madrid, I am at my best.”
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Alcaraz said it was hard to fathom how Nadal maintained his schedule, adding: “People, even me, we admire him especially for this clay court. You value how difficult it is, winning it all in a row is impossible. And you give it more value when you live it in first person.”
The world No.3 won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2022 and 2023. He does not get his campaign underway until Friday and won’t know his opponent until the qualifying matches are over.
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