Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz gets advice from Rafael Nadal's uncle after French Open update
Source
express.co.uk
Toni Nadal has warned Carlos Alcaraz not to take any risks, as his participation at the French Open has been cast into doubt. The Spaniard withdrew from the Barcelona Open after injuring his wrist in his first round match with Otto Virtanen earlier this month.
And speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday evening, the ATP No. 2 revealed that he is unsure as to whether he will hit the courts of Roland-Garros next month. He told the media: "We will see. The next scan will be decisive, so we are doing everything possible to ensure everything goes well.
"I am trying to be patient. We will see in a few days the state of the injury and the next steps. For now, I am trying to stay positive and keep my spirits up even though the days feel long."
Elsewhere, Alcaraz also shared an emotional statement after withdrawing from the Madrid Open for the second year running. He wrote: "There are some news that are incredibly hard to share.
"Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row. It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament."
However, rather than rushing into the French Open and risking making his injury worse, Nadal has urged him to take his time in his recovery. Speaking with Radioestadio Noche, the uncle of Rafael Nadal said: "Listening to Alcaraz, it seems he’s fairly certain he might miss Roland-Garros.
"I think everything he’s said is spot on; we shouldn’t take any risks. They usually advise against returning to competition if the injury isn’t fully healed, and I think that’s what he’s going to do.
"Nowadays, at these speeds, the ball is moving so fast that it’s easy to make a sudden movement, and that’s when tendons and joints suffer. At his age, he shouldn’t take risks, he has many years left and it’s much better to be cautious.
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He added: "Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t need to push himself. Even though things haven’t gone perfectly in the last three tournaments, it’s already been a very good year for him.
"He’s already won a Grand Slam. If they tell him his participation isn’t certain, he wouldn’t participate, because at this level, you have to be in top form to perform at your best. It’s much better not to force anything."