Rafael Nadal, a perennial force in the world of tennis, voiced his enthusiasm for competing in the Barcelona Open, an event close to his heart, alongside rising star Carlos Alcaraz, who finds himself in Nadal’s half of the draw.
Speaking at the draw ceremony, Nadal conveyed his delight at returning to Barcelona, a city that holds significant meaning for him both personally and professionally. “I’m happy to be here, of course, Barcelona is a place that has brought me a great deal of joy, and where I have spent periods of my life,” Nadal expressed. “[Real Club] Tenis Barcelona is my club, I’m really enjoying being here for a few days.”
Reflecting on the challenges of the past two years marked by limited tour opportunities, Nadal expressed gratitude for the chance to engage with fans and fellow players once again. “Over the last two years I’ve had very few days on tour, so spending days here, seeing people, being able to practise with players is a joy,” he remarked.
Nadal also took the opportunity to commend the organizers of the Barcelona Open, particularly acknowledging David Ferrer and the entire team for their stellar efforts in ensuring the tournament’s success. “I’m keen to carry on and to congratulate David and the entire organisation because they’re doing amazing work,” Nadal praised. “The tournament has some incredible players and, as always, the organisation is impeccable.”
With Nadal’s return to familiar grounds and the prospect of facing off against the emerging talent of Alcaraz in his half of the draw, tennis fans are eagerly anticipating the excitement and intensity that the Barcelona Open promises to deliver. As Nadal embraces the opportunity to compete once again on the clay courts of Barcelona, his presence adds another layer of intrigue to an already captivating event.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now the world no.644, the Spaniard played his last match on the 5th of January when he lost to world no.33 Jordan Thompson 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 in the quarter in Brisbane (draw).
At present, during this year Nadal owns a compiled 2-1 match record.
Rafael Nadal will face the world no.62 Flavio Cobolli in the 1st round. In the past, they have never played each other until now in top tournaments.
The Spaniard won 92 titles in his career: 24 on hard courts, 63 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
WLWLLWLWWW Currently ranked no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 28th of March when he lost to world no.10 Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 in the quarter in Miami (draw).
Currently, during this season Alcaraz achieved a compiled 15-4 record. This year, Alcaraz won 1 title in Indian Wells.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz faced off 3 times. Their actual record is 2-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time they squared off, 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 |
