“A whole world missing,” Alex Corretja claims Rafael Nadal’s absence at the French Open will directly ‘impact’ fellow title contender Carlos Alcaraz

Corretja believes Nadal's absence will create a big void

“A whole world missing,” Alex Corretja claims Rafael Nadal’s absence at the French Open will directly ‘impact’ fellow title contender Carlos Alcaraz

Alex Corretja and Rafael Nadal (Image via Firstsportz)

Rafael Nadal not playing the French Open this time around has got many people upset and worried for their star. A 14-time champion at the event Nadal will miss the event for the first time ever. His absence though will open opportunities for many others to shine bright.

Not only fans but ex players and experts of the game also believe that Nadal’s absence is going to create a huge void in Paris. In an interview with Eurosport former French Open finalist, Alex Corretja weighed in on Nadal’s absence.

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“It has a massive impact,” said Corretja. “Whatever tournament you enter, if Nadal is not there then there is a hole in the draw where you are missing someone. But if it’s Roland-Garros, it’s not a hole, it’s a whole world missing there! It is going to start making other players believe that they can win Roland-Garros – more than two hours ago [before Nadal’s announcement]. That is, for sure, something that the players feel.” he continued.

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“It does not necessarily need to be more pressure for the guys that feel they can win Roland-Garros. I think they will feel sad for Rafa, sad for tennis, but relief for themselves, knowing that the biggest guy on earth on clay, in the history of tennis, is not going to be there. Whenever you are one of the favourites for the tournament and one of your toughest opponents goes out, you need to deal with yourself and with your own pressure.“

Inside, you feel that you have been given a better chance to win this tournament. This is how they will feel with Rafa not playing.” Corretja clearly pointed out that players will be unhappy about Nadal’s withdrawal. However, inside them, they may sense a golden opportunity to lift the title as one of their toughest competitors is out.

Related: “It doesn’t look like it’s going to be perfect,” Andy Roddick believes Rafael Nadal is a ‘lot’ closer to the end of his illustrious career

How will Nadal’s withdrawal affect Alcaraz?

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Alex Corretja and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via Firstsportz)

When asked about young sensation Carlos Alcaraz‘s chances following Nadal’s withdrawal, Corretja had this to say. “It will definitely have an impact on Alcaraz, for sure. All eyes will be on him and on Novak and all the other potential favourites but being Spanish and knowing that Rafa is not going to be there, all the attention is going to be on him on the men’s side. Knowing Alcaraz, he will be okay to deal with that, I’m sure. He loves that, which is very amazing and very impressive, but he will definitely need to cope with all the attention and everyone asking him about being the favourite and the next Spanish winner, etc.“

Corretja believes that Carlos Alcaraz can lift the 2023 French Open. However, he needs to stay calm and controlled as all eyes and expectations will be on him. Can Alcaraz become the next big Spanish thing in the French Open? Let’s see.

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