"It's unique" - Carlos Alcaraz adjusts his schedule just to watch "really interesting" Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev French Open 1R 

Carlos Alcaraz recently said that he will adjust his schedule to be able to watch the first-round match between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev at the 2024 French Open on May 27. He also said that watching it would be an interesting experience.

Alcaraz eased past J.J. Wolf 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 in the first round at the 2024 French Open. He will now face Jesper De Jong in the second round.

After his win against Wolf, he appeared for an interview with Tennis Channel and spoke about the privilege of sharing the locker room with the King of Clay. Alcaraz said that he would adjust his schedule to watch the epic encounter and expressed his admiration for his compatriot.

"For me, it is a privilege to share the locker room, to share the tournament with Rafa. I am a huge fan of him, I am not going to hide. And I am going to enjoy watching that match. I am going to set my schedule just to be able to watch the match in the Philippe Chatrier," Carlos Alcaraz said to Tennis Channel. (at 4:06)

The young Spaniard said that it would be a unique match as Nadal and Zverev facing each other in the first round of a Grand Slam was rare.

"As a fan, I think it is going to be a really interesting match, first round of the Grand Slam, Rafa against Sasha, it's unique. I really want to watch with my eyes, I don’t want to miss any points. That’s what I am going to do or try to do. Let us see how it is going to be," he said.

Carlos Alcaraz excited to play against Rafael Nadal at the French Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz, in an interview with Marca, said that playing against Nadal was always intimidating, owing to his legendary status in the sport. He also said that at the French Open, the aura around him increased manifolds.

The young Spaniard added that if he got an opportunity to play against the King of Clay, he would treat it like any other match.

"Obviously playing against Rafa is always imposing, no matter where, in what tournament or in what situation, because of the legend he is in our sport. But it is true that what he transmits when he is at Roland Garros gives you extra respect both to me and to any other player. If I play against him, I would try to take it like any other game," Carlos Alcaraz said.

Carlos Alcaraz could face Rafael Nadal in the final at the 2024 French Open. If they both reach the final, it could be the first meeting between the Spaniards at a Grand Slam.