“We’ve achieved so many amazing things together, now it’s up to you to continue doing them,” Rafael Nadal said in his emotional Davis Cup farewell last year, passing the torch to the next generation. Despite his 14 French Open titles, Nadal battled significant injuries every year from 2009 to 2023, often missing or underperforming in majors due to knee, wrist, back, and hip issues. In contrast, Carlos Alcaraz has shown remarkable resilience early in his career. As Nadal said in 2021, “He has all the ingredients to become a great champion.” Looking ahead, he hopes for only one thing for Carlos. What is that?
Speaking to CNN on April 29, Nadal shared his thoughts on players facing tough times. He had his share of struggles, and so did the rest of the big three. “All of us received the pressure from the media and from the hope that people have about you, but I think at the end, we are humans and we know how to handle that.” One moment stood out for him: Carlos’ recent withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to right hamstring and groin injuries. The world number three chose to rest and recover ahead of his French Open title defense at Roland Garros.
“I don’t think for Carlos it’s a big deal holding that pressure. He’s a great player and has a great family behind (him),” Rafa noted. If you’ve followed Alcaraz, you know his top priority is well-being and family time. His family has supported him through many ups and downs. Just a month ago, he enjoyed a fun holiday with them after a disappointing first-round exit at the Miami Open. He came back stronger to win the Monte Carlo title. Still, Rafa holds out hope.
The clay legend said, “I think he’s doing great and he’s having an amazing career and he’s going to win much more if he stays out of injury – that’s the most important thing. I wish and I really believe that he’s going to have one of the best careers of all time.”
Alcaraz’s injury troubles began early in 2023 when he withdrew from the Australian Open due to a right hamstring injury. Despite this, he bounced back to win Wimbledon but suffered a left foot injury in October. In 2024, he retired from the Rio Open with a lateral sprain in his right ankle and missed the Monte-Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open due to a right forearm injury. He also withdrew from the Italian Open for ongoing forearm discomfort. At the Olympics in July, he revealed he struggled with a groin injury during his second-round win.
Rafa Nadal says he hopes and believes that Carlos Alcaraz will have one of the best careers of all time:
“All of us received the pressure from the media and from the hope that people have about you, but I think at the end, we are humans and we know how to handle that.”
“I don’t… pic.twitter.com/wMk5Mm4szk
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 29, 2025
While injuries are beyond his control. Alcaraz said he did “everything possible to play” but had to make the “tough decision” to withdraw after listening to his body and doctors. “I couldn’t practice the entire week and found out I had hamstring and groin injuries. I needed to listen to my body and make the right decision,” he told reporters.
With the French Open approaching, it’s a tough time for Alcaraz. Amid criticism, he can rest assured he has the support of tennis legends. Even Novak believes he’s more than just an ordinary player.
Nole can’t help but point out a simple fact that sets Carlos Alcaraz apart
On April 26, Novak Djokovic showed plenty of love for Carlos after the young Spaniard’s withdrawal from the Madrid Open. Djokovic reminded everyone just how young Alcaraz still is-turning 22 next week with already four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic silver medal under his belt. “For me personally, that level of dominant tennis and achievements came when I was 23, 24 years old, and then after that,” Novak said to Arab News, pointing out how Alcaraz is ahead of even the “Big Three” at the same age.
Despite Djokovic’s incredible haul of 24 Grand Slams and 99 singles titles, he’s been chasing his 25th Grand Slam and 100th title since 2024 without luck. His last trophy was the 2023 ATP Finals, and he won Olympic gold last year against Alcaraz himself. Novak noted, “So between, let’s say, 23 and 33 is when it was really happening. And now Carlos is still not 23.” With four majors by 21, Alcaraz is already outpacing Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at the same age. A clear sign of a bright future.
But he remains humble. His Netflix docuseries gives fans a closer look at his rise, the intense spotlight, and comparisons to the Big Three: “My dream is to be one of the greatest players in history. Yes, I want to sit at the same table as the Big 3. Am I in the mindset to do whatever it takes and face everything to achieve that?” He added, “From what I’ve experienced, I’d choose happiness over massive success. Because happiness is already a success.”
Now, as he focuses on recovery, the tennis world waits eagerly. Will he return in time to defend his French Open title starting May 25? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post “Win Much More if…”- as Media Pressure Mounts, Rafael Nadal Reveals What Will Make or Break Carlos Alcaraz’s Legacy appeared first on EssentiallySports.
