In the buildup to the 2023 French Open, the Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz has already established himself as one of the favorites for Roland Garros glory. The 19-year-old and current World No. 2 in the ATP rankings produced a stunning display of tennis to overwhelm Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Barcelona Open final. It was Alcaraz’s second consecutive Barcelona Open crown and his third title in the 2023 season. Following the final, Alcaraz answered a variety of compelling questions in his press conference. Among them, there was one that compared the young Spaniard to veteran Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz, in response, showed maturity beyond his years.

Carlos Alcaraz wants to create ‘history’

Rafael Nadal is a serious doubt for the 2023 French Open. An injury sustained by the 22-time Grand Slam winner at the Australian Open continues to trouble him. As a result, he has so far been forced to watch the 2023 clay court season unfold from the sidelines. Young Alcaraz is being touted in the media as the veteran’s replacement.

However, Alcaraz believes otherwise. In his response to the question posed to him by Punto de Break, Alcaraz said, “I don’t want to be anyone’s replacement.” Alcaraz added, “I feel lucky to have so many people supporting me and transmitting that positive energy to me from the first game.” 

The Spaniard also commented on how Nadal’s absence has benefited him in Barcelona across two successive years. “In the two years in which Rafa has not been I have been lucky or let’s say I have earned the title”. Furthermore, Alcaraz expressed how “it’s a shame we haven’t been able to enjoy Rafa these last two years.”

Alcaraz delivered a stunning conclusion to his resounding statement. “We are not here to be anyone’s replacement, but to build our own history.”

Read More: Despite Possessing an Impressive Clay-Court Record Himself, Stefanos Tsitsipas Takes a Backstep to Crown Carlos Alcaraz as the Next Rafael Nadal of the Sport

Alcaraz registers a dominant win over Tsitsipas

Carlos Alcaraz missed out on the Monte Carlo Masters due to an injury, and some had expected the Spaniard to be a bit rusty at the Barcelona Open. However, Alcaraz’s performances at home were exceptional throughout the tournament, and the final was a fitting end. Stefanos Tsitsipas simply had no answer to Alcaraz’s 80-minute masterclass.

There were some flashes of brilliance from Tsitsipas, but ultimately, Alcaraz deservedly bagged the title in a 6-3, 6-4 victory. Following title triumphs at Indian Wells, Buenos Aires, and now Barcelona, Alcaraz is certainly one of the clear favorites for the French Open.

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