carlos alcarazTraining with Novak Djokovic on the number seven outer court of Caja Mágica this Monday. The Serb “beated” him, noting that it was “not easy” to adapt to the height of the Spanish capital and although he doesn’t like comparisons with Rafael Nadal, he said “that’s how coincidences come”.

Hundreds of people attended the training of Alcaraz, one of the stars of the Mutua Madrid Open, who did not stop chanting and applauding to give him full support before he made his debut against Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.

“Djokovic beat me. Adapting to height is not easy and I was able to confirm that in Madrid these days.‘, Alcaraz said on the tournament’s official Twitch channel.

The El Palmar tennis player was asked about the coincidences that led him to compare himself to Rafael Nadal, and it made him smile.

“To be honest, coincidences come and I don’t know how different I am from Rafa. The coincidence is incredible. Also, the Godó date is in the top 10 on the same day… I don’t want to be compared to Rafa. But that’s how it all comes down,” he said.

Alcaraz faces second entry to Mutua Madrid Open. He celebrated eighteen years at the tournament in 2021 and was eliminated by Rafa Nadal, who lost 6-1, 6-2.

“I remember that week like it was yesterday and it was great playing with people in Spain. Now we will try to win this Tuesday and play here again on my birthday.. “I remember the public presence was limited due to the pandemic, but I still felt the love,” he admitted.

The love of the Spanish fans was felt this Monday. The festivity in the Community of Madrid caused thousands of fans to flock to Caja Mágica to play tennis and see their idol. Alcaraz was already one of them, signing autographs on balls, caps and towels for almost ten minutes when Murcian approached the ring at the end of practice.

“I’ve grown a lot compared to last year, but I’m still Carlitos.; but slightly larger. “When they called me Carlos, I think I did something wrong,” he admitted.

Besides competing in the individual box, Carlos Alcaraz also does doubles with Marc López.

“He wrote to me that he was going to play his last tournament and that he was excited to play with me in Madrid. We will try to retire him in style.”