Carlos Alcaraz getting ready to defend his 2022 French Open title. His recent run on clay this season is evidence of that. The young Spanish tennis star has so far been untouchable on the surface going a perfect 15-1. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most serious challengers. As the tournament’s second week looms, Alcaraz will look to add another chapter to his remarkable run. That, and to return the favor to his childhood idol growing up, Rafael Nadal.
His journey to the French Open has been remarkable in its own right, including four Grand Slam crowns. Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz will land on the court in Paris as a heavy favorite after his impressive run. He won titles at the Monte-Carlo Masters and defeated top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the Italian Open final. As fate would have it, he’s the second seed behind Sinner, who has been a formidable barrier to the rising star.
Looking back on his experience, Alcaraz remembers those formative years when he idolized Nadal. “During the years I’ve been with Rafa, he played against probably all of them,” said Carlos Moyá, Alcaraz’s coach. He spoke about the incredible respect that Alcaraz has for his idol, Nadal, and how that respect has inspired him to play the way he plays today.
In their most recent clash at the Madrid Open in 2021, Alcaraz lost a heartbreaker to Nadal. He ended up losing 6-1, 6-2. This experience only fueled Alcaraz’s determination to become a top player and emulate his idol’s “killer instinct.” In his third consecutive trip to the French Open main draw, this mindset will do wonders for his success.
Fortunately, Alcaraz’ draw has been forgiving, with the 17-year-old taking on Japanese player Kei Nishikori in the first round. Moyá agrees that Alcaraz’s mentality among the greats will be key as he is faced with the challenges that lay ahead. “This is what we have in our blood – try to win whatever it takes,” he stated. That single-minded, unflinching commitment to winning has been key to molding Alcaraz into a disruptive new force in tennis.
He lost in the final of the Barcelona Open to Holger Rune earlier this season. Even with that major disappointment, Alcaraz has shown tremendous determination and maturity as a player. His most impressive superpower may be his ability to recover from disappointment. This resilience has permeated his young career thus far and made him one of the biggest competitors at the top level.
As we move ever closer to the French Open, excitement grows for Alcaraz. In addition to all that, tournament organizers will be paying tribute to Nadal, which should further raise the stakes! If all goes according to plan, on Sunday, Alcaraz will walk onto Court Philippe-Chatrier. Inspired to leave his own legacy, he wants to honor the man who inspired him.
Moyá said he was happy and sad to see Nadal absent from this year’s tournament. “It’s going to be a strange feeling for me, but we’re going to enjoy it,” he remarked. While sad he won’t get to compete next to his idol, Nadal, film in Spain, Moyá is very encouraged by what he sees from Alcaraz.
As Alcaraz prepares for his opening match against Nishikori, he carries with him the hopes of many fans and the legacy of one of tennis’s greatest players.
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