Last Friday, while Carlos Alcaraz celebrated a 20th year in professional tennis and extended his winning streak by defeating Borna Coric, Rafael Nadal announced he would skip Rome, the last major tune-up before Roland Garros, in the middle of the semi finals. Some might call it coincidence; others see a purposely timed decision. Regardless, the rising Spanish star continues to press forward from the Balearic Islands, accelerating his road to Paris and the Great Championship.
After 10 pm, not long after receiving the trophy from José Luis Martínez Almeida confirming his second Mutua Madrid Open title, Alcaraz reflected on his Madrid triumph with a calm smile. There were smiles, but restrained celebrations. His focus remained fixed on a second Grand Slam title this year, a goal that had been on his radar since his Australian Open bid was halted by injury.
Murcia’s rising talent is turning victory into routine. He has ten career titles at a very young stage, with seven of those wins coming on clay (Madrid twice, Barcelona, Umag, Rio, and Buenos Aires). Clay is not his favorite surface, yet he has consistently collected trophies and stood out as a formidable competitor. In matches that tested him against a determined Jan-Lennard Struff, Alcaraz endured at times and then pulled away, adding to a streak of 21 consecutive wins in events hosted in Spain.
“I grow in moments that matter”
“There is a great ability to perform in crucial moments,” Alcaraz explained, describing himself as a player who thrives in big moments and has lost only a small handful of matches in his career. Those achievements are impressive, and he remains proud of everything he has won, while looking ahead to more victories.
Alcaraz sometimes jokes with himself, saying, “Charly, do magic,” and the moment of inspiration hits on the court, sparking energy and momentum when it matters most.
Except for the Rio final, where he was edged by Cameron Norrie due to a right leg muscle issue, the season’s titles have largely fallen on his side. The momentum makes him a major force not only on the circuit but for Spanish tennis. The goal is Roland Garros, a signature test that marks a crucial step in a storyline that many believe is just beginning for a player who just turned twenty.
There has been commentary on Rafa Nadal stepping back from tournaments and from some tours, with many wishing him a swift return and hoping to see him compete at full strength at Roland Garros. Alcaraz has always shown a strong willingness to test himself against his idol, and the mutual drive to compete remains a key theme for both players.
Alcaraz travels to Paris with hunger after missing the Australian Open due to injury. He will first head to Rome, where he will compete for the first time on Italian soil. “I’m an ambitious kid,” he said. “I’ve never raced here, and I don’t know how it will go, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it and aim to win in Italy.” He is energized by the crowd and the challenge, knowing that a strong showing could improve his position in the race to number one, a status that could shift with a strong run in Paris.
A Roland Garros entry will smooth the path, though this year’s draw could offer a tricky early meeting with Nadal should the champion appear in Paris. After the Madrid victory, eyes will likely turn to potential clashes with players from the Balearic Islands, and the pressure to prove himself on the big stage grows with every match.