Carlos Alcaraz says Rafael Nadal's Barcelona Open absence doesn't make him 'feel like more of a favourite'

Carlos Alcaraz says he does not «feel like more of a favourite» for the Barcelona Open even following the news of Rafael Nadal's withdrawal. World No. 2 Alcaraz is chasing a third ATP 500 title of the season and is the defending champion in Barcelona, where he is hoping to defend a title for the first time in his career.

Ad Nadal announced on Friday that he would not take part in the tournament as he continues to get back to match fitness after picking up a leg injury at the Australian Open in January. Roland-GarrosNadal 'will be ready' to compete at French Open — Mouratoglou14/04/2023 AT 19:34 World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is also not playing as he competes at the Srpska Open in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Alcaraz says the fact 12-time champion Nadal is not at the tournament does not mean he has a better chance of winning the event in his home country. «I’m a tennis player but I’m also a tennis fan and I always want to see the best players at every tournament,» he told reporters at the pre-tournament press conference. «With what Rafa has achieved at this tournament, it’s a shame not to have him here, not to be able to enjoy his tennis and I wish him a speedy recovery.

»The absences don’t make me feel like more of a favourite. Every match is huge and every player in the draw can beat me, no problem. «I have to stay focused and play my best in every match.