Carlos Alcaraz loss ‘good for Rafael Nadal’ claims former world number one

Jim Courier believes that the loss for Rafael Nadal to Carlos Alcaraz is actually a blessing in disguise ahed of the Italian Open and Roland Garros. 

The 35-year-old lost to the fellow Spaniard in the quarter-finals to end his first tournament back from injury after six weeks away from competition.

Now, Nadal can look ahead to defending his 2021 Italian Open title and a shot at a record-extending 14th Roland Garros crown beyond that.

Courier said on Tennis Channel: “I think this is a good result for Rafa [Nadal] to actually lose this match on a couple of levels”

“He now gets four days off before he goes to Rome, where he’ll play at sea level, which much more mimics what he’ll face at Roland Garros from a conditions standpoint.”

In fact, Nadal is already practising in Rome just two days after his loss to Alcaraz as he looks to settle before his opening match at the Foro Italico.

Courier continued that he feels rest for Nadal will do him good moving to the business end of the clay.

He said: “And [Nadal] gets a chance now to regroup, hopefully kind of reassess where he is, knowing that his rib is no longer a problem.”

“I think all things considered it was a good week for Rafa.

“He came out, got some match toughness, found out his rib can hold up, and now he’s pointed towards Rome and Roland Garros.”

Nadal’s appearance in Rome gives him a chance to once again equal Novak Djokovic’s record tally of Masters 1000 titles after the world number one pulled ahead on 37 trophies at last year’s Paris Masters.

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