"People said the same about Nadal" - Tennis fans unfazed by prediction about Carlos Alcaraz ending up on crutches at 22

After a former tennis player recently remarked that Carlos Alcaraz could soon find himself on crutches due to his explosive game style, fans have come forward to reject the theory, saying that experts predicted the same for Rafael Nadal when he took the world by storm with his aggressive play.

Earlier this week, Alcaraz cited hand and back injuries to withdraw from the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters. He also suffered an abdominal muscle tear last November and a leg injury to pull out of the 2023 Australian Open.

A recurring injury pattern urged former Italian player Guido Monaco to send a warning to the World No. 2 about managing his attacking style or ending up on crutches at the age of 22.

"Alcaraz is really going to have to learn to manage himself, otherwise he's going to end up on crutches at 22," Monaco said. "He can't make 80 big splits per match. [Novak] Djokovic, who has the same type of defensive game, only does it in certain games. Carlos, on the other hand, is still too exuberant and has been exposed to a few too many injuries."

Fans came to Alcaraz's defense as they recalled experts suggesting a similar kind of premature end to Nadal's career due to his physical style of play when he burst onto the scene.

"Growing up I remember hearing from so many pundits that Nadal would retire by 26 with his knees destroyed. Rafa is still playing at 36 and is one of the GOATs. Predicting Alcaraz to retire early with injuries is beyond stupid," a fan tweeted.

"Y’all said this 18 years ago too about another young high achiever. Y’all not tired yet?! Let the cards fall where they may and stop trying to speak misfortune into existence," a user wrote.

"A generational Spaniard getting early retirement shouts due to the type of game style he has? Déjà vu," another tweet read.

Here are some more fan reactions:

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Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal to miss Monte-Carlo Masters 2023

Carlos Alcaraz (L) and Rafael Nadal

A couple of days after the 2023 Miami Open ended, Carlos Alcaraz announced that he was experiencing pain in his left hand and back, and withdrew from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.

"After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort. After visiting my doctor @drlopezmartinez in Murcia today and being evaluated, I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour," Carlos Alcaraz wrote.

"I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come. See you in 2024 @ROLEXMCMASTERS," he added.

11-time Monte-Carlo champion Rafael Nadal, who picked up a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open, also revealed that he hadn't fully recovered and withdrew from the event.

The two players are expected to return to action at the 2023 Barcelona Open, beginning on April 17.