Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of Spanish tennis, has recently opened up about his emotions regarding playing at Roland Garros without the presence of Rafael Nadal, his mentor and idol. The absence of Nadal, who has long been the king of clay courts, has undoubtedly left a void in the tournament, but Alcaraz’s remarks reveal a deeper sense of admiration and respect for his fellow countryman.

In a candid interview, Alcaraz repeated a single word when asked about playing in Paris without Nadal: “miss.” This simple yet powerful word encapsulated the young Spaniard’s feelings as he expressed how much he would miss seeing Nadal at Roland Garros, a place where the 22-time Grand Slam champion has made history time and time again. Alcaraz’s connection to Nadal goes beyond just being a fellow player—Nadal’s influence on Alcaraz’s career has been profound, and the absence of his role model at the French Open this year is undoubtedly a bittersweet experience for the young talent.

Alcaraz emphasized that while it’s strange not to have Nadal competing at the tournament, he feels both privileged and honored to be playing in his place. “I have been lucky enough to share many moments with Rafa, and his legacy at Roland Garros is unmatched,” Alcaraz said. “He has been an inspiration to all of us in Spain, and not having him here this year does feel different.”

Despite Nadal’s absence, Alcaraz remains optimistic about his own chances at the French Open. As one of the top contenders for the title, he has already proven his prowess on clay, winning prestigious titles and cementing his place as one of the best players in the world. But even with all the accolades and the growing expectations surrounding him, Alcaraz cannot help but acknowledge the hole left by Nadal’s departure from the tournament.

“Rafa’s presence at Roland Garros is something that has always been there, and it’s hard to imagine the tournament without him,” Alcaraz continued. “But I’m here to give my best, and I know that Rafa would want me to do that.”

As Alcaraz prepares to take center stage at Roland Garros, the tennis world is filled with excitement, curiosity, and admiration for the young Spaniard. His journey from being Nadal’s protegé to a potential Grand Slam champion is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. And although the French Open may look different this year without Nadal, Alcaraz is determined to carry on the legacy of Spanish tennis and make his own mark on the tournament.

With every match he plays, Alcaraz proves that the future of tennis is in good hands. As he continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that he is not only ready to take on the challenge of winning Roland Garros, but also to honor Nadal’s incredible legacy by pushing the limits of what’s possible in the world of tennis. The journey has just begun, and the tennis world is watching closely.