Rafael Nadal has dismissed growing concerns over Carlos Alcaraz’s recent early exits, urging fans and media not to panic after the world No. 1’s third-round loss at the 2026 Miami Open. It was a shocking exit for the tournament favourite, after which, he was surrounded by the critics. However, the tennis legend has come in support of the sensational star.
Nadal defends Alcaraz from critics after early Miami Open exit
Speaking Tuesday in Madrid after receiving an honorary doctorate, tennis legend Nadal pushed back against critics questioning Alcaraz’s form. The Spaniards' legend said:
“Are we really going to worry about two defeats? I don’t think so.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion added:
“That doesn’t make sense, and we shouldn’t demand more from him.”
The 14-time Roland Garros champion continued by reminding everyone of Alcaraz’s remarkable achievements. Alcaraz has a recent Australian Open title that completed his Career Grand Slam at the youngest age ever, defeating Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Spaniard also has seven Grand Slams overall, a title in Doha, and his hold on the World No. 1 in the ATP ranking.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who entered the tournament with a 16-match winning streak and a stellar 2026 record, fell to American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 on Sunday in what marked his second consecutive early departure from the hard-court Masters 1000 event.
Alcaraz had also lost in the semifinals of Indian Wells to Daniil Medvedev, leaving his season mark at 17-2. Despite the setbacks, the young star remains the defending champion at the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters on clay.
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