Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive nine-match clay-court winning streak came to an end with a loss to Holger Rune, prompting the young Spaniard to once again reflect on the intense demands of the clay season—and on the enduring greatness of Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz, who has previously voiced concerns about the packed tennis calendar, has admitted that staying motivated for every tournament can be tough. After clinching the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, he reiterated his preference for one-week Masters 1000 events over the extended two-week formats.
“One-week tournaments are better,” Alcaraz said. “Some people assume that a two-week event means more rest, but that’s not true. You still train, you still have to mentally prepare—there’s no real downtime.”
He emphasized how draining the sport can be, especially on clay. “Playing match after match without a break, that’s what makes it so tough. I believed I could perform well, and I think I did. But the reality is, this stretch demands 100% effort every single day.”
Reflecting on Rafael Nadal’s legendary dominance on clay, Alcaraz didn’t hold back his admiration. “Going from Monte Carlo straight into Barcelona with just a few days in between is always tough. I surrender at Rafa’s feet. What he managed to do week after week—it’s incredible. You realize how difficult it is only when you’re going through it yourself.”
A Special Bond with Rafa
Alcaraz has long shared a respectful connection with Nadal, calling him a personal inspiration. “Rafa doesn’t give direct advice, but he’s always sent me supportive messages. He recently wished me well and hoped I’d be at my best in Madrid.”
As a professional player himself, Alcaraz said his appreciation for Nadal has only grown. “When you live it, you understand just how crazy it is to win everything back-to-back. It’s nearly impossible. And that’s exactly what Rafa did.”
In an interview with MARCA, Alcaraz was asked whether anyone could ever match Nadal’s record. His response was clear: “What Rafa has done on clay is not just the greatest achievement in tennis—it’s one of the greatest feats in all of sport. Fourteen Roland Garros titles, 11 in Monte Carlo, including eight consecutive wins—that’s otherworldly.”
Alcaraz’s 2025 Season So Far
Despite a tough loss in Barcelona, Alcaraz remains one of the standout players of the clay-court season. Reaching back-to-back finals in two weeks is a strong indicator of his form, even if the runner-up finish left him feeling a bit disappointed.
Still, the 21-year-old is staying positive and determined. With more tournaments ahead, Alcaraz is poised to continue his rise—always chasing success, even as he walks in the footsteps of a legend.
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