Carlos Alcaraz says Rafael Nadal’s Barcelona Open absence doesn’t him ‘feel like more of a favourite’

Carlos Alcaraz says he does not “feel like more of a favourite” for the Barcelona Open even following the news of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal.

World No. 2 Alcaraz is chasing a third ATP 500 title of the season and is the defending champion in Barcelona, where he is hoping to defend a title for the first time in his career.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is also not playing as he competes at the Srpska Open in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Alcaraz says the fact 12-time champion Nadal is not at the tournament does not mean he has a better chance of winning the event in his home country.

“With what Rafa has achieved at this tournament, it’s a shame not to have him here, not to be able to enjoy his tennis and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“The absences don’t make me feel like more of a favourite. Every match is huge and every player in the draw can beat me, no problem.

“I have to stay focused and play my best in every match. I don’t feel like a favourite at all, every match is huge, and I have to play as well as possible.”

Alcaraz says his focus will not be adding to his career titles, but focusing on each match as they come as he makes his return after missing last week’s Monte Carlo Masters due to injury.

“We’ll be thinking about everything, apart from defending the title,” he said.

“Barcelona is a place I love playing in, where I have really amazing memories, not just from last year, but also from playing when I was young.

“I’m going to try and avoid that pressure to defend the title. I’m a player who looks at the route to the final, but only briefly.

“But my focus is on the first round, and it will stay there until I’ve played it.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner will be all be taking part in Barcelona.

Alcaraz says he hopes to have a long-lasting rivalry with Sinner.

He said: “Whenever we play, I think it’s very fun to watch and they are great matches.

“I hope to have a rivalry with Jannik like the ones between great players like Rafa, Djokovic and Federer. Also, we get on well off-court.”

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