Monte-Carlo Masters: Carlos Alcaraz ‘Worried’ for Rafael Nadal as Paris Olympics Dream Hangs in the Balance

Rafael Nadal has been battling with a muscle injury since January. His recent withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters further emphasized the seriousness of this injury. Carlos Alcaraz, his expected doubles partner in the Olympics, shared thoughts on the growing concerns about his participation in the Olympics. The 2023 Wimbledon champion is now hoping that the 22-time Grand Slam victor, Nadal, will be physically ready for the upcoming tournament.

Rafael Nadal has previously withdrawn from the Australian Open and later from the Indian Wells as well. At the start of the season, he expressed his wish to pick and choose tournaments, owing to these medical issues. However, his potential partner for the Olympics is still concerned about the possibility of Nadal playing in the tournament.

“Hope it can happen,” says Alcaraz regarding Rafael Nadal’s Olympic participation

Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up for the European clay court season, which gets underway in Monte-Carlo next week. Following a fruitful American tour, including winning the Indian Wells Masters championship, Alcaraz is all set to enter the clay court with enthusiasm. However, when asked about his next target at the Olympics, he expressed concerns about his partner, Nadal.

Alcaraz is expected to play doubles with Rafael Nadal in the Olympics. However, owing to Nadal’s physical problems, it has made him worried about whether his companion will be able to play or not. “At the moment, I don’t know anything about his condition or how he’s doing. Obviously, as a Spaniard and a tennis player, I’m worried about that,” he said about the tennis legend. 

Amid the chaos, Alcaraz remains hopeful, pointing at the four months left for the tournament to begin. “Let’s see how he and I get there; in the end, there are still four months left. Anything can happen, but I hope it can happen,” he further added.

Also read: Monte-Carlo Masters: Heart-Shattering Reason Behind Rafael Nadal’s Withdrawal Starts Spreading Like Wildfire

Regrettably, Rafael Nadal’s torn muscle has cost him a lot of significant matches in the last few months. Nadal has also previously shared his desire to play in the French Open this year, therefore, his recent withdrawal further raised concerns regarding his French Open participation. Just about a day ago, he was spotted sharing the disheartening news of leaving the Monte Carlo Masters.

“My body won’t allow me,” claims Nadal after his Monte Carlo withdrawal

After suffering an injury at the 2023 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal missed a year of competition before making a comeback at the Brisbane International in January. However, his dream shattered once again after his muscle injury led him to take a step back earlier this year. He withdrew from the Indian Wells, but it did not stop there. The 37-year-old recently stated on social media that he is still not fit to compete. Additionally, he conveyed disappointment at skipping this month’s Masters as well. “These are very difficult moments for me, sporting-wise,” he said in an X post.

“Unfortunately, I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me,” he further added in the post.

Tennis fans, who were eagerly waiting to see his comeback on the court, received the news with the utmost sadness. And in times like this, along with Alcaraz, the whole tennis community is waiting to hear good news from Nadal regarding his Olympics.

Read more: Despite Rafael Nadal’s Lengthy Absence, Tennis Bigwig Favors The Former To Win At Roland Garros Based On One Factor