Unfortunately, it became official that Rafael Nadal withdrew from the ATP 500 that will be staged in Barcelona next week. Rafa is struggling to be fit again for competition after being injured to his hip during the Australian Open. His retirement from Barcelona will leave Carlos Alcaraz as the top favorite to conquer the title. Carlitos is also the defending champion in Barcelona.
Nadal’s statement
Rafa released the following statement:
“Barcelona is a special tournament for me because it is my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique feeling. I am still not ready and, therefore, I continue my preparation process for the return to competition.”
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Currently the world no.15, Nadal played his last match on the 18th of January when he was defeated by world no.52 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
At present, during this year Rafael has managed to achieve a 1-3 record.
Nadal has scheduled to play next in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 17th of April.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
WWWWWWWWWW At the moment ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 31st of March when he was overcome by world no.8 Jannik Sinner 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2 in the semifinal in Miami (draw).
This year the Spaniard has achieved a 18-2 record. Alcaraz conquered 2 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells. The Spaniard got to the final in Rio de Janeiro.
He is also scheduled to play in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) on the 26th of April and Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) on the 10th of May.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz faced off 3 times. Their actual record is 2-1 for Nadal. Before, the last time they played each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
Here are the highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz |
| Embed from Getty Images |
