Carlos Alcaraz makes Rafael Nadal comparison as Madrid Open history beckons
Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that any stat comparing him to Rafael Nadal is a “good sign” as he looks to make further history at the Madrid Open this fortnight.
Alcaraz has thrived in his home capital city over the past two seasons, with consecutive Masters 1000 titles won at the Caja Magica.
The 20-year-old defeated Alexander Zverev to win his first Madrid title in 2022 – having beaten Nadal and Novak Djokovic on his way to the final – and then beat Jan-Lennard Struff in the final 12 months ago.
Victory in 2023 saw Alcaraz become just the second person to win consecutive titles at the tournament, following in the footsteps of Nadal, who achieved just that in 2013 and 2014.
And, as he gears up for his latest campaign in Madrid, Alcaraz conceded that he enjoyed matching Nadal’s achievement and – much like his compatriot – thrived in having home advantage.
“It means a lot,” said Alcaraz, speaking to the Madrid Open.
“Any stat that puts me on a par with Rafa is a good sign because he’s achieved everything you can in the world of tennis. Defending the title in Madrid is a very difficult task.
Read More: Carlos Alcaraz fitness update as questions remain over his forearm
“Playing in Madrid is playing at home. It’s a very special and amazing fortnight. I’m lucky because I have a lot of support when I play overseas, anywhere in the world, but the support I get here is incomparable.
“I’d say because of my style of play the altitude in Madrid benefits me. I really like playing here.”
“[I enjoy] having the option of being accompanied by my family and friends who can’t travel during the year, as well as seeing a lot of people who come to the Caja Mágica that fortnight.”
Hola, Carlitos @carlosalcaraz | @ATPTour_ES | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/HQQyq1kUxO
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 22, 2024
Though Nadal has a record five Madrid titles, no player – man or woman – has ever won three consecutive titles at the prestigious event, giving Alcaraz a chance to make history in 2024.
With Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, the Spaniard will be the second seed in Madrid this fortnight, though doubts still circle about his fitness after pulling out of Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Alcaraz would have looked to ‘threepeat’ in Barcelona as well, had he been fit, and though history looms, he claims it is not something that he is dwelling on.
He added: “It’s not something I’m thinking about right now.
“At the moment I just want to enjoy the tournament, prepare well and give my all from the first match. Then we’ll see if we can go a long way.”
