Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz They did not coincide in the 2023 season. The Spaniard went on the Australian tour, played in the United Cup and the Australian Open, a Grand Slam that the Murcian missed due to a hamstring muscle injury in his right leg.
Rafael Nadal He never returned to the ATP Tour, because he injured the iliopsoas of his left leg, the hip.
While Nadal was sentenced to rest, having to withdraw from the ATP in Doha and Dubai, Alcaraz He reappeared as a clay champion in Buenos Aires and a finalist in Rio de Janeiro, where he was injured again.
The Murcian retired to Acapulco, where the current champion is Rafael Nadalwhich however this season decided to change the calendar in favor of Dubai in the same week.
Through the program of one and the other, the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 this should be their natural habitat. In 2022, Rafa Nadal prevailed 6-4, 4-6 and 6-3 in the semifinals, although later, on Madrid soil, the man from El Palmar prevailed in the quarterfinals, 6-2, 1 – 6. and 6-3.
They haven’t seen each other since then. Nadal did not go to the California desert, where Alcaraz won his third Masters 1000 ATP, eighth professional title and regained the world number one at the cost of Novak Djokovic.
The same rank leading Carlos Alcaraz It is also historical because it presupposes the fall of Rafael Nadal out of the top 10 for the first time since April 25, 2005, after a record unbroken run of 912 weeks.
Alcaraz He’s headed to Miami, where he’ll defend that crown and that number 1. Nadal will continue training at the academy preparing to face clay. In Monte Carlo (9-16 April) and Gothic (April 17-23) hoping to coincide with the draw.
Meanwhile, Nadal congratulated his compatriot. “Congratulations @carlitosalcarazz for returning to #1 and for the title in Indian Wells”, public on his Instagram stories Rafa, with the message of applause, with a photo of Carlos Alcaraz with the Indian Wells trophy.
Two prodigies, one a legend at 36 years old and the other aspiring for a place of honor with the greats, building a brilliant career from his current 19 years. Precocious, because Nadal was in his time.
Source: La Verdad
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