Nadal targets return in Qatar
French hopes kept alive
Carlos Alcaraz failed to name a single female tennis player during an awkward on-court interview following his fourthround match at the Australian Open.
Wimbledon champion and world No.2 Alcaraz barely breezed through to the quarter-finals in a 6-4 6-4 6-0 victory over Miomir Kecmanovic.
But it was during his oncourt his chat with tennis legend Jim Courier when he was really made to sweat.
Courier opened by asking Alcaraz: “Men’s, women’s, wheelchair tennis, it doesn’t matter, who are your favourite players to watch when you have spare time?”
Rafael Nadal will return to the ATP Tour next month at the Qatar Open in Doha, keeping alive the possibility of a final French Open run for the Spanish megastar.
Nadal, 37, was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a micro tear in a muscle sustained during his loss to Australia’s Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International on January 5.
The 22-time grand slam champion was only three matches into his comeback from a 12-month injury lay-off when he was hurt during the quarter-final clash on Pat Rafter Arena.
He withdrew from the Australian Open days later, before flying back to Spain to receive treatment.
Nadal declared before the tournament that it was likely – but not definitely – to be his last time playing in Australia.
It is expected that he will retire at the end of the year.
He said health and his ability to physically compete on the ATP Tour would be the deciding factors for whether 2024 was his final year of professional tennis.
Nadal will use his protected ranking to enter the February 19 ATP 250 event in Doha, which will also feature Australian Open quarter-finalists
“Well I’m a huge fan of tennis,” Alcaraz replied.
“I like to watch every match if I can. But I love watching play Daniil Medvedev, Novak (Djokovic), (Jannik) Sinner as
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.
Just six months after undergoing hip surgery, the Spanish superstar stunned the world with his impressive level at the Brisbane International, blitzing both Dominic Thiem and Australian Jason Kubler in straight sets.
Before his comeback, Nadal revealed he had no competitive expectations of himself for the Australian summer and only wanted to find some form and fitness to begin the season.
It is expected Nadal will focus his attention on the French Open and a possible final run at a record-extending 15th title at Roland Garros.
Australian fans may not have had a chance to say goodbye to the legend in Melbourne, but may at least get to see the King of Clay in his element for one final time. well. Those guys, I like to watch, because every time they step on the court, they put their best level and, as a huge fan of tennis, I like to watch a pretty good, high level.”
Courier couldn’t resist a following up question.
“I’m going to put you on the spot, what about WTA?,” Courier probed.
“Well, I watch WTA as well,” Alcaraz answered with a nervous laugh, a reaction that was mirrored by the crowd who sensed his unease.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, said he would have to play at his “best level” in his Australian Open quarter-final against Alexander Zverev.