Carlos Alcaraz says French Open holds place in the hearts of Spanish players after Rafael Nadal's dominance - 'Special energy'
By Jonny Bray
Published 07/06/2025 at 23:34 GMT+1
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World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has commented on how much it means for Spanish players to compete at the French Open, in the wake of Rafael Nadal's historic run at the tournament. Nadal won 14 titles between 2005 and 2022, and Alcaraz followed in his footsteps last year. The 22-year-old will face Jannik Sinner in this year's final on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Highlights: Alcaraz roars into French Open final as Musetti retires injured
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz believes that the French Open holds a special place in the hearts of the Spanish people, ahead of his clash with Jannik Sinner in this year's final.
The tournament has been won by a Spanish player on 21 occasions, more than any other nationality, thanks largely to Rafael Nadal's 14 titles between 2005 and 2022.
Alcaraz came out on top at Roland-Garros in 2024, and he is hoping to defend his crown on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The 22-year-old says that there is a "special energy" on the iconic clay courts, especially for Spanish players.
"This tournament brings a special energy," said the four-time Grand Slam winner. "Every time that I come here it feels special.
"For the Spanish people and for a Spanish player, this tournament has always been special. For me, I don't know, I just feel extra energy and a special energy.
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Alcaraz says 'Sinner or Djokovic - I’m ready for either' in French Open final
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Even before Rafa, a lot of Spanish players had won this tournament. Then Rafa destroyed every record here in this tournament.
"Right now I am just really happy to have won here, to make the final again and to continue the legacy of the Spanish players here in this tournament.
"I am just really happy to put my name on it and write history in Spain."
Alcaraz has faced Sinner on 11 occasions on the ATP Tour and has come on top in seven of those matches.
He has also won their last four meetings, with his most recent victory coming in the final of the 2025 Italian Open.
Alcaraz insists that the win has given him some confidence ahead of what is sure to be a closely-fought encounter.
"It is different when you are coming as the defending champion," he added.
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Highlights: Sinner sinks Djokovic in straight sets to reach final at Roland-Garros
Video credit: TNT Sports
"You are making the final again and your thoughts are that you have to defend the title no matter what.
"[Sinner] has been destroying everyone. His level is really high. I am enjoying it every time that I watch his matches.
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"I just beat him in the final of a tournament a few weeks ago and that is giving me a lot of confidence coming into that match.
"I know how to play against him, but it is going to be one of the toughest challenges that we have in tennis right now, facing Jannik. It is even tougher when it is a Grand Slam final."
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Watch and stream the French Open 2025 live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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