“I never imagined seeing that happen” Andy Murray left amused by Rafael Nadal’s 14th title in Paris, labels Carlos Alcaraz as Rafa’s successor in the Grand Slam
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Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz
Former World No. 1 Andy Murray did not feature at the 2022 French Open but like all tennis fans he also tuned in for the blockbuster matches that the Grand Slam won. Murray had doubts about his participation at the Grand Slam but chose not to eventually in order to remain fit for the grasscourt season and more importantly the 2022 Wimbledon Championships later this month.
At the French Open, however, Rafael Nadal clinched his 14th French Open title in his 18th tournament appearance defeating Casper Ruud in the finals in straight-sets including a third set bagel. Nadal’s win also meant that he is now a 22-time major champion, the most among men’s and having tied Steffi Graf‘s tally, only Serena Williams and Margaret Court have more singles majors than the Spaniard.
Given that Nadal was injured two weeks prior to the major and came back to not play but also win the title, it was a great achievement and display of athleticism by the Mallorcan and Murray expressed his disbelief on seeing Nadal win the title for the 14th time recalling his words from a couple of years ago where he admitted that he doesn’t see Nadal add anymore French Open titles to his cabinet.
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“What Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek have achieved is incredible”: Andy Murray
Along with Nadal’s title in men’s singles, on the women’s side, title favourite Iga Swiatek proved herself worthy of the tag as she defeated Coco Gauff in the finals to win her second Grand Slam and second French Open title. Murray also praised Carlos Alcaraz who made a great run to the quarter-finals and showed once again why is the next big thing.
“I didn’t watch all the matches, because I played a tournament myself and was on the pitch until Saturday. But I was still able to attend a few matches. What Rafa Nadal and Iga Swiatek have achieved is incredible. Swiatek now has the opportunity to write her own story. And Rafa? To win 14 Grand Slam tournaments on the same site is incredible.
“When Rafa won his eleventh or twelfth title in Paris, I already said that I never imagined seeing that happen again. There are hardly any players on the circuit who will play Roland Garros 14 times, let alone win it 14 times. Carlos Alcaraz is 19 years old and should probably win the tournament every time he plays it. I just can’t imagine anyone achieving that,” said Murray as reported by welovetennis.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)