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'It hurts me': Tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz's admission on Rafa Nadal

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (pictured left) greeting Rafa Nadal (pictured right) at the Madrid Open.
Young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (pictured left) has offered some kind words for countryman Rafa Nadal (pictured right) as the 21-time grand slam winner battles to be fit for the French Open. (Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz has admitted he doesn't like seeing Rafa Nadal struggling with injury ahead of the French Open, despite the young phenom's own battle with a foot problem.

Alcaraz has set the tennis world alight since the Australian Open having picked up two ATP 1000 events at the age of 19.

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The young Spaniard became the first player in history to defeat both Nadal and Novak Djokovic on clay in the same tournament, on his way to winning the Madrid Open.

After his victory, which propelled him to one of the favourites for Roland Garros, the young Spaniard said he would take the Italian Open off to rest his body.

However, he watched on as Nadal crashed out of the tournament against Denis Shapovalov as he struggled with his persistent foot injury.

And the young Spaniard offered some kind words to one of his idols in the lead up to Roland Garros.

Speaking at an awards ceremony to crown Murcia's top sportsman on EFE TV, Alcaraz said he thinks Nadal will be ready for the French Open.

“Nobody likes to see Nadal like this, he is a reference for everyone and it hurts me to see him suffer while playing the sport he loves. It hurts us all," Alcaraz said.

"I know he had a few days to recover and I believe that in Paris he will be competitive again."

Rafa Nadal (pictured left) shakes hands with Carlos Alcaraz (pictured right).
Rafa Nadal (pictured left) shakes hands with Carlos Alcaraz (pictured right) after their 2022 ATP Tour Madrid Open tennis match. (Photo by Atilano Garcia/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Alcaraz addressed his own foot injury and said he truly believes he can win the French Open in 2022.

“I'm preparing, training, getting my foot back and little by little I'm feeling better," he added.

I go to Paris with confidence because I think I have a chance."

Rafa Nadal receives warm reception at French Open

Fans swarmed to Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros with the word Nadal was warming up on Wednesday.

And fans chanted Nadal's name as he walked onto court and trained in front of an adoring crowd.

In what is rare scenes on a weekday a few days out from the tournament, many fans may have realised the chance to see Nadal play on the hallowed clay at Rolland Garros could be nearing its end.

Nadal will be seeking his 22nd grand slam title and a 14th Roland Garros crown.

Carlos Alcaraz (pictured) celebrates with the champion trophy after winning the Madrid Open.
Carlos Alcaraz (pictured) will be one of the strong favourites heading into the French Open. (Photo by Oscar Gonzalez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

However, this year he faces some in-form opponents in Alcaraz and World No.1 Djokovic.

Djokovic won his first ATP 1000 event this year after triumphing in the Italian Open.

The reigning Roland Garros champion appears set to defend his title and equal Nadal's grand slam total.

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