Carlos has not yet resolved the doubts regarding his participation in the home Masters-1000. Rafa is in the capital after the defeat against De Minaur in Barcelona
Francesco Sessa
April 19 – 3.13pm – MILAN
How is Carlos Alcaraz? This is the question of the moment, a few days before the start of the Madrid tournament (starting on April 24), the second Masters-1000 of the clay court season. The Murcian is expected in the Spanish capital in these hours and tomorrow (Saturday) he will dedicate himself to tests to understand the condition of his right forearm, a problem that became apparent in Monte Carlo and which forced the number 3 in the world to skip the tournament of the Principality and also the 500 of Barcelona.
RESULTING CHAMPION
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Right from Catalonia, in a quick press conference without answering any questions, Alcaraz had given no guarantees about his presence in Madrid. And the situation has not changed at the moment: Carlitos has not yet released its reservations. The tests and first training sessions in the capital will be fundamental to knowing whether the Murcian will have the chance to defend the title he won last year in the final against Jan Lennard Struff. There are many points to try to preserve – 1000, in fact – but Alcaraz has made it clear that he is ready to return only when his conditions allow it, without taking risks.
NADAL’S RETURN
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If Alcaraz’s presence is still in doubt, the situation of the other great Spanish tennis player, Rafael Nadal, is more defined: the 22-time Slam champion is ready to return to play the Madrid tournament two years after the last time, when he lost right against Carlos in the quarter-finals. Rafa comes from the second round won in Barcelona (victory with Cobolli, defeat with De Minaur) and aims to get to the Roland Garros at his best after very complicated months. Madrid and Rome will therefore be “transitional” events, Nadal has arrived in the Spanish capital and has already started training to get used to the high altitude conditions. Barring any sensational surprises, the Spanish public will probably be able to enjoy Rafa for the last time.
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