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IMAGE: A 22-times main champion, Rafael Nadal additionally missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona after failing to get well from a hip harm sustained through the Australian Open earlier this yr. {Photograph}: Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures
Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafael Nadal to carry out at a “spectacular stage” on the French Open if the 14-times champion can overcome his harm points forward of the yr’s second Grand Slam.
Nadal skipped the continuing Madrid Open after a setback in his restoration from a hip harm sustained on the Australian Open in January. The 22-times main champion additionally missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Alcaraz has emerged as favorite for Roland Garros after victories on clay at Buenos Aires and Barcelona however the world quantity two mentioned Nadal can’t be written off and hopes his fellow Spaniard will return subsequent week in Rome.
“Hopefully he shall be in Rome after which at Roland Garros, the place he shall be a rival to beat,” Alcaraz informed reporters after beating Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday to achieve the Madrid quarter-finals.
“Though he hasn’t performed since Australia, a person who has received a event 14 occasions will all the time be troublesome to beat in that event, even when he comes with out match rhythm.
“It’s going to even be troublesome for him, tennis requires that aggressive rhythm, however Rafa is Rafa, even when he arrives with out many matches, he’ll absolutely present a spectacular stage.”
Alcaraz, who turns 20 on Friday, mentioned stories of Nadal’s return have been encouraging as he hoped to proceed studying from the 36-year-old.
“I say this as a participant and as a tennis lover,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“It has been a pity all these months the place we have not been in a position to see him in tournaments.”
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