Carlos Alcaraz laments not being able to learn from Rafael Nadal while Ben Stiller sends ‘good vibes’
Carlos Alcaraz has bemoaned Rafael Nadal’s continued absence from the ATP Tour with the world No 2 admitting that it is a “shame” that he cannot learn from the tennis great at tournaments.
Nadal has not featured on the Tour since January 16 as he is struggling with a hip injury and his layoff has been extended as he has pulled out of next week’s Madrid Open while he has also admitted that he is not sure when he will return with major doubts over his title defence at Roland Garros.
It was a pretty gloomy update from Nadal as he revealed: “The injury still hasn’t healed and I can’t work out what I need to do to compete.
“I was training, but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to try to get to what comes next. I can’t give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you but I don’t know.”
With Alcaraz missing the start of the season, including the Australian Open, due to a hamstring problem it means the pair have not played at the same event this year.
In fact, you have to go back to last year’s Paris Masters for the last time they featured at the same tournament, and even then it was a brief affair as Nadal lost in the second round.
For a young player like Alcaraz, it is crucial to learn from the best, but for now the 19-year-old is unable to pick up the ins and outs of the game from Nadal.
“I am a professional tennis player, but I am also a tennis fan and seeing that the best cannot play is a shame,” the Spaniard said after his third-round win at the Barcelona Open.
“I am young and not being able to have Rafa at tournaments and learn from him is a shame. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope we enjoy your tennis soon.”
And it is not just tennis players who are missing the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s presence in tennis as actor Ben Stiller also hope to see him back in action soon.
Sending @RafaelNadal good vibes and steady strong recovery.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 21, 2023
“Sending @RafaelNadal good vibes and steady strong recovery,” the actor wrote on Twitter.
The duo have become good friends as last year they got together just before the US Open to enjoy dinner with Nadal writing on Instagram: “Fun dinner with my team and friends! And… all good before the tournament starts.”
They also met up before the Indian Wells Masters while Stiller told The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon shortly after Nadal won the 2022 Australian Open: “I love tennis. I play a little bit but I’m a huge Rafa Nadal fan, he’s just won the Australian Open. He just had the most incredible comeback of all time at the Australian Open.”
READ MORE: Rafael Nadal’s injury-hit season likened to Roger Federer’s last stand on the ATP Tour
