After Rafael Nadal, 37, announced he was probably playing his final Madrid Open, Carlos Alcaraz declined to talk about the tennis player’s possible retirement. The 22-time Grand Slam winner was mentioned by the world No. 3 as someone he couldn’t quite envision seeing in professional tennis. Despite having to withdraw from the Madrid Open one day prior to his opening match due to a forearm injury, Alcaraz himself staged a triumphant comeback.
With his admission that he was probably playing in his home tournament for the last time and that he felt apprehensive on the court, Rafael Nadal has become the buzz of the Madrid Open. The former top player in the world has frequently shown interest in retiring at the end of 2024.
Alcaraz was questioned on the vacuum Nadal will leave when his career finishes as Madrid gets ready to bid the 37-year-old farewell. The two-time Major winner, though, didn’t want to consider it. “I want to avoid picturing it just yet. “Like all tennis fans, I find it difficult to envision the circuit without Rafa,” he remarked following his first-round victory over Alexander Shevchenko.
Since I know that’s what he wants and what thrills him, I want to enjoy him as much as I can. He is trying to be competitive, and I will be there to watch him succeed each time. We will live in the now and not worry about what comes after tennis.
Alcaraz has been dealing with injuries over the past several weeks; he had to withdraw from both the Barcelona Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters due to a problem with his right forearm. His 6-2 6-1 triumph over Shevchenko was his first clay-court match of the year and his first since he was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
The 20-year-old acknowledged that he had only decided to compete one day prior to his first match after securing a commanding victory. The two-time Madrid Open champion gave an explanation, saying, “I decided that I can play yesterday.” It was Monday before I picked up the racket once more. The intensity was rising as I arrived, so I had no idea what would happen. I said I was ready to play when I played a set with Medvedev yesterday without sensing anything. I debated whether or not to play until yesterday.”
Alcaraz acknowledged that his injury prevented him from hitting his forehand with full force, even with the convincing score.”I didn’t always hit my forehand perfectly. I struck it with less force than before,” he went on. “But maintaining my health and not experiencing any forearm pain was the first thought I had as I stepped onto the floor. For me, that is the primary concern.
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