Rafael Nadal’s absence from Barcelona Open is a “SHAME”, says Carlos Alcaraz

Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz expresses disappointment over Rafael Nadal's absence from the ongoing Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal’s absence from Barcelona Open is a “SHAME”, says Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (Credits: Dailyexpress)

Reports suggest that Carlos Alcaraz has expressed disappointment over Rafael Nadal‘s absence from the Barcelona Open. According to Alcaraz, it is crucial for all top players to participate in every tournament, and Nadal’s absence is a significant letdown. 

Both players had to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters due to their respective injuries. Alcaraz suffered a hand injury, but he has recovered in time for the ATP 500 event in Barcelona, where he will defend his title. Nadal, on the other hand, has not made a return to competitive tennis since he sustained a hip injury during the second round of the Australian Open.

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Carlos Alcaraz said to the press “I am a tennis player but I am also a tennis fanatic and seeing that the best cannot play is a shame. I am young and not being able to have Rafa close by and learning from him is a shame. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope we enjoy your tennis soon“.

Due to a hip injury that he sustained during a second-round match against Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal hasn’t played in any competitive tennis matches. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, a fellow Spaniard and the defending champion in Barcelona expressed his regret at not being able to compete against his childhood idol in the tournament. Alcaraz wished Nadal a quick recovery and eagerly anticipated his return to the court.

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Carlos Alcaraz advances to the quarterfinals in Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Credits: ATP Tours)

19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz has continued his impressive run at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, securing a second straight-set victory against Roberto Bautista Agut. Alcaraz successfully defended his title, defeating his fellow Spaniard 6-3, 7-5, showcasing his prowess on Spanish clay, despite this being his first tournament since reaching the Miami semi-finals on a hard court.

With this win, Alcaraz has now improved his record against fellow Spaniards to 9-1, with his only loss coming against Rafael Nadal in last year’s Indian Wells semi-finals. He is currently playing on the center court in Barcelona, which is named after Nadal, and is looking to become the first player to win consecutive ATP 500 titles since Nadal held the title from 2016 to 2018. In the quarter-finals, Alcaraz is set to face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who is seeded 10th and also hails from Spain.

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