Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz mentioned they are going to be feeling the absence of rival and clay king Rafael Nadal when the Monte Carlo Masters begins on Sunday.
The 37-year-old Spaniard was pressured to withdraw from the standard begin of the European clay season as his lengthy harm drama continues.
Nadal owns a report 11 trophies within the principality, with a 73-6 event report, together with a 46-match successful streak from 2005 to 2013. He has competed in the principle draw 17 instances.
“It has always been important for our sport to have him on the court,” two-time Monte Carlo winner and world primary Djokovic mentioned on Saturday.
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“This year could have been his last chance, his last Roland Garros, his last season.
“It’s been bad to see him have to forfeit all the tournaments (save Brisbane in the first week of January) from the start of the year.”
Spanish 20-year-old Alcaraz, now ranked third after being displaced by Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner, was equally disenchanted to not have an opportunity to face his longtime idol.
“If he’s not here it doesn’t change a lot for me,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I’m not used to seeing him around much.
“We have not played (in the same) tournaments (at the same time). I’ve only played a few where he is around.
“As a fan of tennis, it’s a shame that he is not here playing in this event.”
The teen nonetheless goals of teaming with Nadal on the Paris Olympics.
“I still hope to play with him, the Olympics are four months from now and everything can change.
“Nadal would be great for me.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com