“To win it, even just once,” Carlos Alcaraz sets his sight on claiming Rafael Nadal’s ‘King of Clay’ title for Spain as French Open stands around the corner

Alcaraz has also expressed worry about Rafael Nadal's health status following his withdraw from Monte Carlo Masters.

“To win it, even just once,” Carlos Alcaraz sets his sight on claiming Rafael Nadal’s ‘King of Clay’ title for Spain as French Open stands around the corner

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (via IMAGO)

A few weeks before the French Open, Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he hopes to win the Roland Garros, aiming to follow in Rafael Nadal‘s footsteps. The Spanish star has become a tennis sensation since winning the 2022 US Open but is yet to win the clay Slam event.

Alcaraz’s idol, Rafael Nadal, became the Roland Garros record holder when he won his 14th French Open in 2022. Despite injury and health worries that have plagued Nadal’s career, he remains a motivation to many Spanish tennis players and athletes. Alcaraz has always noted that Nadal is an inspiration to him in the sport and many analysts have often compared his playing style to that of the tennis icon.

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I’ve grown and evolved. Two years ago, I was in the quarter-finals; Last year, I played in the semi-finals; Now the goal is to go to the final or be victorious. I arrive on clay with a lot of desire and enthusiasm.-- Roland Garros is a super special tournament for Spaniards because of what Rafa has achieved and for me it would be amazing to be able to win it, even just once. I’m going to try.
Carlos Alcaraz said at an event in Spain where he received the National Sports Award.

With two Grand Slam crowns to his name, the Murcia native for the past two seasons has won one major title every season. This year, he looks forward to being victorious at the Roland Garros, after reaching the semifinal last year and the quarterfinals in 2022.

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Before the French Open, Alcaraz will be hoping to make a big statement in the Monte Carlo Masters. Also, the Indian Wells champion will aim to bring the title home following Nadal’s withdrawal from the event.

Carlos Alcaraz has admitted his worries concerning Rafael Nadal’s health

Nadal withdrew from the Monte Carlo due to his health concerns, a month after withdrawing from the Indian Wells Masters. Since his comeback in January, Nadal has only featured in one tournament and played two matches this season. Understandably, Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that he is worried about the state of health of Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal (L), Carlos Alcaraz (R)
Rafael Nadal (L), Carlos Alcaraz (R) (via Imago)
At the moment I don't know anything about his state, about how he is. Obviously, as a Spaniard and a tennis fan, it worries me. Let's see how we get both he and I, in the end there are still four months. Anything can happen, but hopefully it can happen.
Carlos Alcaraz said

However, hope remains with Nadal, who is dubbed as the ‘King of Clay’. With several tournaments in the clay season such as Madrid Open, Rome, BMW Munich, and Roland Garros, Nadal will ultimately feature in one of them.

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