Carlos Alcaraz is eager to try himself against Rafael Nadal on clay and he wants his compatriot to be fully fit for Roland Garros so his wish comes true.
Alcaraz, like many other Spaniards, wants to see Nadal at Roland Garros because the event is simply better with him. The most legendary player in the event's history would certainly boost the prestige of it as well as bring some much-needed clay prowess to the draw.
It's not clear whether Nadal will truly play at the event as he recently skipped over Rome which has some wondering whether his condition is good enough to compete on a tennis court. Roland Garros is around the corner and there isn't much time for him to heal if he hasn't already. Alcaraz just wants to see him fully fit at the event.
It's a shame to see Rafa skip tournaments and the clay tour, which is the most special for him. Health comes first and if he has decided not to go to Rome, he will have seen that he is not ready. I hope to see him at Roland Garros at 100 percent. The world wants to see him at 100 percent.
Alcaraz only had one chance to play against Nadal on clay and it was last year at the Madrid Open. It was a very competitive match in three sets that Alcaraz ultimately won but he hopes to face Nadal at Roland Garros.
It seems like a fitting match for the youngster as he wants to measure himself as one of the best players in history on a tennis court where he was rarely troubled let alone properly challenged. There won't be many chances to face him at the event either.
I have always said that I like to play against the best and Nadal is one of the best in history, there is no doubt about it. His tournament is Roland Garros, he has more titles, but this is the most symbolic for him. I would love to play him at Roland Garros, measure myself against him, and see what happens. I think I could beat him, but Rafa has a thousand lives there.