More buzz for Alcaraz than Nadal, Djokovic
19-year-old sensation ousted both on way to Madrid title 13 days ago
For the first time in a year, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are both entered in a major tournament — and, somehow, most of the buzz heading into the French Open is about Carlos Alcaraz, a teenager without one Grand Slam title to his name.
There’s plenty of reasons to keep tabs on Djokovic and Nadal when play begins Sunday. They’re two greats of the game who have played each other more than any other two men in the Open era, including nine times at Roland Garros.
Thanks to Thursday’s draw, they would meet in the quarterfinals this year, if at all, with a possible matchup against Alcaraz in the semis.
Nadal is a 13-time champion in Paris, owner of a men’s-record 21 Slam trophies overall and only recently returned from a rib injury while also dealing with chronic pain in his left foot that kept him out of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is ranked No. 1, is the defending champ on France’s red clay, is tied with Roger Federer at 20 majors, and, notably, sat out the Australian Open (which Nadal won) because he is not vaccinated against COVID. The French Open and Wimbledon are allowing him to compete.
Yet it’s Alcaraz — 28-3 with a tour-leading four titles in 2022, and already ranked No. 6 — who has generated so much fascination.
“He definitely is special,” Djokovic said. “So far, he’s the best player in the world, no question, this year. … He’s a really complete player. Can play equally well, offensively and defensively.”
It’s been building for a while now, reaching a crescendo after Alcaraz beat Nadal, then topseeded Djokovic, then Alexander Zverev to win the Madrid Open in early May. No one ever had eliminated Djokovic and Nadal at the same clay tournament.
Yes, there are other storylines worthy of examination over the coming weeks, including Naomi Osaka’s return to Paris after her discussion of anxiety and depression and her withdrawal from the field to take a mental break a year ago; new women’s No. 1 Iga Swiatek’s bid for a second French Open title as she enters on a 28-match winning streak; and former No. 1 Simona Halep’s new partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou, who used to coach Serena Williams (will she ever compete again?).