The clay courts of Barcelona, steeped in Spanish tennis tradition, bore witness to a bittersweet moment for Carlos Alcaraz on April 20, 2025. The 21-year-old prodigy, fresh off a Monte Carlo Masters triumph, fell 6-7(6), 2-6 to Holger Rune in the Barcelona Open final, ending his 14-match unbeaten streak at the ATP 500 event. Despite the sting of defeat, Alcaraz found solace in a heartfelt text message from his idol, Rafael Nadal, whose 12 Barcelona titles and indomitable clay-court legacy loomed large over the tournament. “He wrote to me, giving me some encouragement, telling me he hopes that I’m not injured and that in a few days I can train again and give my all,” Alcaraz shared, revealing the personal support from the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Alcaraz’s journey to the final was a testament to his resilience. After clinching Monte Carlo, he powered through Barcelona, defeating rising stars like Arthur Fils and Alex de Minaur without dropping a set. Yet, the grueling schedule—playing two high-stakes tournaments in consecutive weeks—took its toll. A psoas injury in his upper right leg, requiring a medical timeout in the second set against Rune, hampered his movement. “Having played so many matches without rest is what he had,” Alcaraz said of Nadal, marveling at his compatriot’s ability to dominate the clay swing year after year. “Playing Monte Carlo and arriving in Barcelona with a few days is always complicated. I surrender to the feet of Rafa Nadal. He did it week after week.” Nadal’s record of 10 Monte Carlo-Barcelona doubles now seemed an almost mythical feat to the young Spaniard.
The defeat to Rune, a 21-year-old Dane who claimed his fifth ATP title, was a humbling moment. Alcaraz, who led by a break in the first set, praised Rune’s composure. “I know Rune, I’ve seen him win big titles,” he said. “What surprised me is that he’s been very serious, very solid, from start to finish. He deserves to be congratulated for that.” Rune, inspired by Novak Djokovic’s tactics from their 2024 Olympic final, stayed steady, capitalizing on Alcaraz’s physical struggles to secure the tiebreak and dominate the second set. Despite the loss, Alcaraz remained gracious, saying, “Congratulations Holger on an amazing week,” and urging him to “keep going.”
Nadal’s message, sent shortly after the final, offered more than encouragement—it was reassurance. He expressed hope that Alcaraz’s injury wouldn’t derail his Madrid Open campaign, set to begin April 22. “I’ll talk with my team, we’ll do some tests, but I’m confident it won’t affect me in Madrid,” Alcaraz said, buoyed by Nadal’s words. The two Spaniards share a deep bond, forged through their 2024 Olympic doubles partnership and mutual admiration. Alcaraz, who met Nadal at the Madrid Open at age 12, has long idolized him. “We admire Rafa for what he’s done, particularly on this swing,” he said. “Winning everything consecutively is kind of impossible. You appreciate what Rafa did much more when you’ve experienced it firsthand.”
As Alcaraz prepares for Madrid, where he’s a two-time champion (2022, 2023), the physical and mental demands of the clay season weigh heavily. His 2025 season, marked by four Grand Slam titles and a Roland Garros crown, has been stellar but not without setbacks, including an Australian Open quarter-final loss to Djokovic. “This is super demanding; you have to give 100% every day,” he admitted. Nadal’s text, urging him not to stress over results, resonated deeply. “I’ve reached a point where being a favourite or not is something that doesn’t concern me,” Alcaraz said, focusing on leaving the court proud, especially in front of his home crowd.
The Barcelona loss, only his sixth in a final, hasn’t dimmed Alcaraz’s resolve. With a first-round bye in Madrid and a scan to assess his injury, he’s determined to channel Nadal’s relentless spirit. “I’m leaving here proud to have given my all,” he said, echoing the grit that defines Spanish tennis. As fans anticipate his next steps, Alcaraz carries Nadal’s encouragement like a torch, illuminating his path through the clay season and beyond.