As the red clay of the Caja Mágica prepares to host the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, tennis legend Rafael Nadal has thrown his weight behind compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, anointing him the frontrunner to claim the coveted ATP Masters 1000 title. The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s endorsement, delivered with his characteristic humility, underscores the seismic shift in Spanish tennis, with Alcaraz emerging as the heir to Nadal’s clay-court legacy. With the tournament set to unfold in Madrid’s electric atmosphere, Nadal’s words have ignited anticipation for Alcaraz’s quest to secure a historic third Madrid crown.
Nadal, a five-time Madrid Open champion, spoke glowingly of Alcaraz’s prowess during a recent interview, emphasizing the young star’s readiness to dominate. “Well, in the end, if Carlos is doing well, I think he’s always the favorite nowadays, right?” Nadal remarked, his confidence in Alcaraz rooted in the 21-year-old’s stellar 2025 season. Alcaraz, currently ranked World No. 2, has dazzled with 24 wins in 28 matches this year, including a triumphant Monte Carlo Masters title that marked his sixth Masters 1000 crown. His recent runner-up finish at the Barcelona Open, despite a right leg adductor injury, showcased his resilience, further solidifying Nadal’s belief in his potential to conquer Madrid.
Alcaraz’s history at the Madrid Open fuels the excitement. Having won in 2022 and 2023, he boasts a 15-1 record at the Caja Mágica, with his only loss coming in last year’s quarterfinals to Andrey Rublev. A victory in 2025 would make him the first player to claim three consecutive Madrid titles, tying him with Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, who each have three wins. “Playing here is so special,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on the tournament’s personal significance. “It’s the tournament where a lot of family can come to watch my matches, a lot of friends as well, and for me, it’s really special to play in front of my home crowd.” His emotional connection to Madrid, coupled with his ferocious forehand and relentless athleticism, makes him a formidable force on the red clay.
Nadal’s endorsement carries extra weight given his own storied history in Madrid. His five titles (2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017) and unparalleled clay-court dominance—particularly his 14 Roland Garros triumphs—set a benchmark that Alcaraz openly admires. After his Barcelona final loss, Alcaraz paid homage to Nadal’s ability to conquer the Monte Carlo-Barcelona double, a feat he attempted but fell short of due to fatigue and injury. “I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week,” Alcaraz said. “Winning everything consecutively is kind of impossible. You have to respect that.” Nadal’s message of support after that defeat, coupled with his public backing, highlights the mutual respect between the two Spaniards, who partnered in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 2025 Madrid Open draw presents Alcaraz with a navigable but challenging path. After a first-round bye, he’ll face either Yoshihito Nishioka or Zizou Bergs in the second round, followed by a potential third-round clash with Jiri Lehecka. Later rounds could bring matchups against Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, or even Djokovic, who has confirmed his return. Nadal himself is in the draw, marking his first competitive appearance since the Olympics, but his focus remains on supporting Alcaraz. “My body and my life had been sending me signs for some time,” Nadal reflected last year after what many believed was his final Madrid appearance, a fourth-round loss to Lehecka. His return, though, adds an emotional layer to the tournament, with fans hoping for a dream Alcaraz-Nadal encounter.
Alcaraz’s preparation is not without hurdles. His recent injury, which required a medical timeout in Barcelona, necessitates an MRI and careful management. “I felt some pain in my adductor during the second set,” he noted, but expressed optimism about recovering in time for his Madrid debut, likely on Friday or Saturday. His packed schedule— including a talk show appearance on *El Hormiguero* and promotional events for his Netflix docuseries *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*—reflects his status as a global star, yet his focus remains on delivering for the home crowd.
Nadal’s backing, combined with Alcaraz’s form and history, positions the young Spaniard as the man to beat. As Madrid braces for a clay-court spectacle, the narrative of a generational torch-passing grows stronger. With Nadal’s blessing and a nation’s hopes, Alcaraz is ready to etch another chapter in his burgeoning legend, one forehand winner at a time.