Raphael Nadal is steadily growing tired of the constant comparisons with Carlos Alcaraz. After clinching his first Masters 1000 win in Rome, defeating John Isner 6-3, 6-1, the American spoke sharply when asked by an Italian journalist about the resemblance to the young Murcian phenomenon. In Rome, the match marked a sharp moment in a week filled with questions about potential legacies and futures in the sport.
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Nadal defeated Isner to reach the last 16 in Rome
Nadal, who has long carried the burden of expectations, suggested that the focus should stay on the present. He remarked that it is not productive to endlessly debate who will be stronger or achieve more. The path for both players rests on enjoying the journey and allowing each other the space to grow. He added that if Alcaraz wins 25 major titles, it will be a tremendous boon for him and for their country, provided he has the freedom to pursue his career. Nadal emphasized that he managed his own career in a way that suited him, and he hopes Alcaraz can do the same.
After a rib injury, Nadal remains anxious about his physical state ahead of Roland Garros. With limited time before the French Open, every day counts as he works to regain his on-court sensations and confidence. The clock is ticking toward Paris, where a 14th title would solidify a remarkable era.
“I should be better”
Nadal recognizes the need to raise his level. He stated that he is the one who must improve more than his rivals and vowed to put in the work to follow the chosen path.
In his Rome debut, the American hopeful faced early pressure but delivered a steady performance. The Spaniard took control by exploiting gaps in the American’s serve, breaking four times to seal the match in under 80 minutes after staving off two early break points. This victory reinforced Nadal’s resolve to refine his game and push through the emotional and physical hurdles that can accompany a long season.
The Balearic competitor did not have an ideal start and requested additional court time to sharpen his approach. After the match, he asked his coach to identify a dedicated training plan to address the specific areas that needed improvement. Tomorrow’s round of 16 would pit him against a rising Canadian challenger, Denis Shapovalov, a test that promises to illuminate both players’ readiness for the main events ahead.
Only in Rome
Nadal is competing in his second clay court event at Foro Italico, following a quarterfinal exit the week prior to Carlos Alcaraz in Madrid. The rib injury has limited him on court, but the Foro Italico venue remains a critical stop on the road to Paris, where the chase for another title continues.
With Alcaraz absent from Rome as he charged ahead toward Roland Garros, Nadal stands as the sole Spaniard left in the men’s singles. The day before, he narrowly defeated Pablo Carreno in a tense encounter, while the previous rounds saw Davidovic, Martinez, and Ramos advance through the qualifiers or early stages. The path through Rome is a step in the long journey toward the summer grand slam, where the stakes are high and every match contributes to the overall narrative of both players’ careers.