After a successful American tour that included the Indian Wells Masters title, Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for the European clay court season, which starts in Monte-Carlo next week.
The Spaniard has a lot of points to defend (2,265 in total) with his titles in Barcelona and Madrid and a semi-final finish at Roland-Garros. But after getting back to winning ways in Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz is very confident and motivated for what promises to be an exciting season on clay.
Alcaraz, who had a stellar season from the end of 2022 leading up to the 2023 Wimbledon, took a small detour afterwards, with his performances dropping.
In 2024, Carlos hasn’t had the best of starts. But his turnaround in terms of his gameplay and ability to adjust in time for clay is exceptional.
Now, he believes he can make a difference in Paris this year and put on an impressive show for everyone with Roland Garros’ final tickets.
He wants to try his best and win his first French Open.
But it will be more challenging than he speaks. He has the veteran Novak Djokovic right beside him. Djokovic, hungry for a title after a rough patch in 2024, would give it all for the title.
With the Olympics also set to be played at Roland Garros, Djokovic is prepping to make it a 2/2 in Paris.
Alcaraz’s results point in a progression that he can win the entire thing this season. In 2022, Alcaraz, was a fan favourite with all those who had Roland Garros tickets as they expected him to win the title.
But he lost the quarterfinals. In 2023, he was a semifinalist. Now, he wants the silverware.
Carlos Alcaraz also discussed the Paris Olympics and his possible doubles partnership with Rafael Nadal. The 2023 Wimbledon champion hopes the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be physically ready for the challenge.
“At the moment, I don’t know anything about his condition or how he’s doing. As a Spaniard and a tennis player, I’m worried about that,” he said.
“Let’s see how he and I get there; in the end, four months remain. Anything can happen, but I hope it can happen.
Is Nadal In Doubt for Roland Garros?
Former world number one Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, commencing on April 7, citing that his body is not up to it. The ATP Masters 1000 event is the first one on clay this season, with the focus later firmly on the French Open 2024, i.e. the second Grand Slam event of the year.
Nadal’s participation at the Roland Garros is also seriously threatened as the tournament is now less than two months away.
And the insider sources from the Nadal camp aren’t looking good. Earlier, fans were excited that the Spaniard was all set to make it to the court one last time.
This news triggered several fans to purchase Roland Garros final tickets in advance, but now the situation has worsened.
In an Instagram post, Nadal wrote, “These are very difficult moments for me, sporting-wise. Unfortunately, I have to tell you that I will not be playing in Monte Carlo.
My body simply won’t allow me. And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events.” The 37-year-old added.
He further added that the only he can do right now is to accept the situation and look for the immediate future.
“The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future, keeping the excitement and will to play to give me a chance for things to get better.”
Nadal has won the Monte Carlo competition as many as 11 times. A 14-time French Open champion, the Spaniard will be desperate to mark his comeback at the Roland Garros, but his participation looks uncertain.
It is also worth noting that Nadal has not competed in any ATP tour event since he withdrew from the Australian Open in Brisbane.
He earlier hinted at a return before Monte Carlo, but it did not see through.
Despite taking an 11-month sabbatical last year, Nadal’s return has gone differently than planned. He missed the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Qatar Open.
Even in 2023, he bowed out of three Grand Slam events.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner hopes to turn things around by regaining full fitness and competing hard at Roland Garros in May. A good performance will boost his confidence and also help him compete at the Paris Olympics later this year.
The Spanish player has dropped to 649 in the ATP rankings for missing many tournaments. Thus, Nadal’ss comeback remains keenly awaited by his ardent fans.
Rafael Nadal’s former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, is confident, despite another withdrawal, that the Spanish tennis great will be able to return to action soon in preparation for the French Open.
“Rafa has problems with the serve. Apart from that, he has no problems,” Toni Nadal said.
He said this was also necessary because “playing a tournament in the build-up is important to have a good Roland Garros. Either you go there 100 per cent, or you better not play.”
As much as the fans want to see him in action with Roland Garros final tickets, it is also safe to say it is time. While the Spaniard has desperately tried to make a return, he has relentlessly failed in his tracks with his injuries and conditioning.
For Nadal, the last few years weren’t the best. He shocked the tennis world when he won the 2022 French Open, but since then, he’s been unable to progress.
It might indicate that Nadal’s retirement will also be in the cards if he does not recover.