Carlos Alcaraz Reveals Reasons Behind Taking Picture of Rafael Nadal Footprint Before Roland Garros Semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to become the next man after Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten this century to defend his Roland Garros title. 

Carlos Alcaraz Reveals Reasons Behind Taking Picture of Rafael Nadal Footprint Before Roland Garros Semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz and the Rafael Nadal footprint at Roland Garros (images via X)

In a touching pre-match moment at Roland‑Garros, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz paused on Court Philippe‑Chatrier to take a photograph of Rafael Nadal’s immortalized footprint plaque. He then went on to play his semifinal match against Lorenzo Musetti.

The visual of Alcaraz clicking this photograph resonated deeply with fans as it symbolizes respect, legacy, and the passing of the torch at the Roland Garros. The 14-time Roland Garros champion was given a tribute ceremony on the opening day of this year’s tournament.

During this tribute a commemorative plaque in Nadal’s honor was embedded with his famed footprint and a replica of the men’s singles French Open trophy.

I think it was the first time I could warm up before the match here on Chatrier. So I tried to make the most of the time. Took a bit of time to take a picture of that. Having a little bit of Rafa Nadal on Philippe Chatrier while I’m playing is a great inspiration…He never gives up. I try to think about it and try to do it myself. All I could do is take a memory of that plaque from Rafa Nadal.

Following in his idol and compatriot’s footsteps, four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz has already made a very strong mark on the clay surface. He is aiming to become the next man after Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten this century to defend his Roland Garros title. 

Carlos Alcaraz has reached the finals of all the clay tournaments he has played this season

Carlos Alcaraz has had a brilliant clay court season this year, which he started by winning his maiden Monte Carlo Masters title, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the finals. Alcaraz then reached the finals of the Barcelona Open however, marred with injury, he lost to Holger Rune. 

Carlos Alcaraz Roland Garros
Carlos Alcaraz (image via Roland Garros)

The Spaniard withdrew from the Madrid Open due to the injury but came back stronger in the Italian Open, where he defeated World No. 1 and home favorite Jannik Sinner to clinch his maiden title of the tournament. This makes Alcaraz the 2nd youngest player to reach the Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros finals in one season, after Rafael Nadal in 2005.

Carlos Alcaraz comes back from a set down to defeat Lorenzo Musetti at the Roland Garros semifinals

Carlos Alcaraz stepped inside the baseline and struck big from both wings, however, Lorenzo Musetti had taken the first set 6-4 as Alcaraz produced 16 unforced errors. He gave Alcaraz a tough battle in the second set too, which the Spaniard finally won on tiebreak. 

Lorenzo Musetti and Carlos Alcaraz (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Lorenzo Musetti and Carlos Alcaraz (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Musetti won just five points in the third set and struggled to move freely, as Alcaraz bagelled him in this set. Trailing 0-5, the 23-year-old called for the physiotherapist to address pain in his upper left leg. After two hours and 25 minutes, the Italian retired, with Alcaraz advancing to the finals with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0.

In a moment of pure class and sportsmanship, after the match, Alcaraz gave an applause for Musetti and acknowledged his brilliant clay court season, where Musetti had reached the semifinals of every clay tournament he played this season, additionally reaching the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters where he lost to Alcaraz.

Also Read: (Video) Carlos Alcaraz Joins the Applause for Lorenzo Musetti After His Retirement from the Roland Garros Semifinal