By
Carlos Alcaraz is disappointed that Rafael Nadal will not participate in the ATP tour with the world number 2.
Nadal has not played on the tour since January 16 because he is struggling with a hip injury and his layoff has been extended due to his withdrawal from next week’s Madrid Open. Doubts about his title defense at Roland Garros.
It was a very gloomy update from Nadal. As he explained: «The injury is still not healed and I can’t work out what I have to do to compete.
“I’ve been training, but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to get to the next thing. I can’t give you a deadline because if I knew I would tell you, but I don’t know.»
While Alcaraz missed the start of the season, including the Australian Open, the pair have not played at the same event this year due to a muscle problem.
In fact, you have to go back to last year’s Paris Masters when they last played in the same tournament, and then it was a short affair when Nadal lost in the second round.
It is important for a young player like Alcaraz to learn from the best, but the now 19-year-old has failed to pick up the ins and outs of Nadal’s game.
«I’m a professional tennis player, but I’m also a fan of tennis and it’s a shame to see the best can’t play,» the Spaniard said after winning the third round of the Barcelona Open.
«I’m young and it’s a shame not to be able to meet Rafa in tournaments and learn from him. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope we can enjoy your tennis soon.
And not only the tennis players who missed the presence of the 22-time Grand Slam winner in tennis, but also the actor Ben Stiller are hoping that he will return to the field soon.
Sending @Rafael Nadal Good mood and constant strong recovery.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 21, 2023
«Sending @RafaelNadal good vibes and a steady strong recovery,» the actor tweeted.
The duo became good friends last year before the US Open when they got together for dinner with Nadal, who wrote on Instagram: “Fun dinner with the team and my friends! And…well before the race starts.
They also met before the Indian Wells Masters shortly after Nadal won the 2022 Australian Open, when Steeler told The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: “I love tennis. I play a bit but I’m a big fan of Rafa Nadal, he just won the Australian Open. He made one of the most impressive comebacks ever at the Australian Open.
Read more: Rafael Nadal’s injury-ravaged season parallels Roger Federer’s last stand on the ATP Tour.
