An apt indication of just how much discussion the rise of Carlos Alcaraz has generated came on Monday in Rafael Nadal’s pre‑tournament press conference at the Italian Open. Wary of how often Nadal has already had to discuss his young compatriot in recent months, a journalist introduced their question by expressing their hope that Nadal would not be annoyed by yet more Alcaraz talk to come. “I will never be annoyed about answering questions about colleague of mine,” Nadal responded.
Alcaraz will not be seen in Rome this year. Shortly after his breathless triumph against Alexander Zverev in the final of the Madrid Open on Sunday, he announced he would be withdrawing from the tournament in order to recuperate before the French Open begins. Still, his rise has been the defining story of the past two months and his success will continue to loom over the tour until the French Open begins.
