'I bow at his feet' - Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal's consistency after losing Barcelona Open final amid 'demanding' schedule

Carlos Alcaraz appreciates the achievements of Rafael Nadal "much more" after losing to Holger Rune in the final of the Barcelona Open. The 21-year-old missed out on the chance to become the first player to win at Monte Carlo and Barcelona in successive weeks since Nadal in 2018. Alcaraz said he "bows at the feet of Nadal" for how his compatriot continued to win despite the "demanding" calendar.

Carlos Alcaraz said he "bows at the feet of Rafael Nadal" because of the consistency the legend showed throughout his career after being beaten by Holger Rune in the final of the Barcelona Open. 

The 21-year-old triumphed in his first clay tournament of the season as he won the Monte Carlo Masters a week earlier, but he was unable to follow it up with victory in Barcelona as he lost to his childhood friend 7-6(6) 6-2 in Sunday’s final. 

It means Nadal remains the most recent player to win at Monte Carlo and Barcelona in consecutive weeks, having achieved the feat in 2018. 

Tennis

One Point Slam to return at 2027 Australian Open - What is it and how does it work?

12 hours ago

Alcaraz was in action in Barcelona just two days after his title in Monaco and has pointed to the "demanding" calendar as a reason for his straight-sets defeat, but says he now appreciates Nadal’s achievements "much more" after experiencing the gruelling schedule first-hand.

"That’s what happens when you play so many matches and have so few days to rest. It’s so demanding, and you have to give 100% every day," Alcaraz said.

"Having played a tournament like Monte Carlo and arriving in Barcelona with few days to adapt is really tough. 

"Now I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week. You have to respect that."

He added: "We admire Rafa for what he’s done, particularly on this swing. But winning everything consecutively is kind of impossible. 

"And once you’ve experienced it firsthand, you appreciate what Rafa did much more and how difficult it is to be 100% physically and mentally week after week."

Alcaraz, who took a medical timeout in the second set against Rune, revealed that Nadal had been in contact following the loss, wishing him luck as he prepares for the Madrid Masters, which begins on Tuesday. 

• Alcaraz hits back at critics following 'unexpected' Monte Carlo win - 'It is very easy to talk'
• 'What do they want? For him to win every tournament?' - Ferrer defends Alcaraz after criticism

"He wrote to me. To give me some encouragement, telling me he hopes that I’m not injured and that in a few days I can train again and give my all," said the world No. 2.

Alcaraz, who won in Madrid in 2023, is gearing up to defend his Roland Garros title with the French Open getting underway at the end of May. 

‘Means a lot in front of my people’ – Alcaraz on reaching the final in Barcelona

Video credit: SNTV

Despite his frustrations at the busy turnaround, Alcaraz still gave credit to Rune for an "exceptional" performance, as the Dane won his first ATP Tour title for two years.

He said: "Losing is never easy, even less so in a final here. But I have to give credit to Holger, he played an exceptional match, very well organised. He knew what he had to do at all times.

"I’m not surprised by his level, but I am by his discipline. He didn’t have any ups and downs, he was very professional. From start to finish, he was very clear on what he had to do, and he went for it."

---

Watch and stream the 2025 French Open on TNT Sports and discovery+

ATP Cincinnati

When does Alcaraz play next? Latest injury update as star withdraws from Cincinnati

7 hours ago

WTA Washington

Nadal leads praise as Eala becomes first Filipino to win a WTA title with DC Open glory

Yesterday at 14:35