Carlos Alcaraz candid about Rafa Nadal’s long absence

Carlos Alcaraz outspoken about Rafa Nadal

On the day that saw him defeat Roberto Bautista Agut, thus earning him access to the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 in Barcelona, Carlos Alcaraz dedicated a thought to Rafa Nadal, who just on Thursday announced his absence from the Madrid tournament, casting doubt on his presence in Rome and Roland Garros.

“I am a tennis player but I am also a tennis fan,” are the words of the Murcian reported by ‘Marca’, “when one of the best cannot play it is always a shame. Myself, being young, I would like to play against champions of Rafa’s caliber and not being able to do so is a shame.”

“I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope we will enjoy his tennis soon,” added Alcaraz, who in the quarters will face, in another Spanish derby, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.