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Carlos Alcaraz – primary challenger to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garos?

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Alcaraz is coming off a title win on clay surface at the Rio Open

Carlos Alcaraz is often compared to his idol Rafael Nadal. Left-handed, Spanish, strong on clay surfaces – too much in common isn’t it? Well, there is definitely something more to it. The potential, the talent and the precise execution, the youngster has it all in abundance

Carlos Alcaraz in action at the 2021 US Open

When you watch Alcaraz play, you can relate him to Nadal in the early stages of his career. Alcaraz has been considered the next big thing in tennis for quite some time now.

The 18-year old won the Rio Open last week. The tournament was played on a clay surface, a good warm-up event leading to the Roland Garos which is played on the clay surface. He became the youngest ever ATP 500 champion after defeating Diego Schwartzmann 6-4, 6-2 in the final. The Spaniard withdrew from the Acapulco Open in Mexico owing to a niggle he suffered post the Rio Open.

Who are the favourites to clinch the title in Paris?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning last nights 2022 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final, at Government House on January 31, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal has made the French Open his own over the last 15 years. He is undoubtedly the greatest ever tennis player on clay surfaces. The 2022 French Open will once again see Nadal as the hot favourite. He has had the best ever start to a season and won both tournaments he played in – the Australian Open and the Mexican Open. Nadal is the fan favourite in Paris and we can expect him to go all guns blazing for his 22nd Grand Slam singles title.

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Novak Djokovic’s participation is very unlikely as French authorities have clearly announced unvaccinated players won’t be allowed to take part in the Roland Garros. The Serbian is clear on his stance – he won’t take the Covid 19 vaccine under any circumstance. That leaves us with the current World No.1, Daniil Medvedev. Nadal has an edge over the Russian defeating him in both the Australian Open final and in Acapulco. On top of that, clay surface isn’t quite his strength.

The other top seeds like Tsitsipas, Zverev, Berrettini have all been pretty inconsistent and prefer to play more on hard and grass surfaces. Therefore, we do have to turn our eyes to Carlos Alcaraz, who is potentially a dark horse. The teenager plays a fearless brand of tennis and is very strong on clay. Currently ranked World No. 19, Alcaraz isn’t quite a favorite on paper but the Spaniard has the potential to pose a real threat to Nadal’s title-winning ambitions.


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Sarbik Dutta

My heart races on the F1 track and tennis courts, translating the adrenaline of each moment into words. While F1's speed thrills and tennis's finesse captivate me, my passion doesn't stop there. As a devoted follower of cricket, football, and various Olympic sports, I find myself engulfed in the highs and lows of these games. Through my writing, I aim to share the stories behind the stats, the emotions fueling the victories, and the struggles that define the journey of athletes across diverse disciplines. Being a voice that echoes the fervor of these sports is a privilege I cherish every day.

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