Rafael Nadal makes Carlos Alcaraz admission after loss with French Open mindset shifted

Rafael Nadal has admitted that Carlos Alcaraz was the better player after losing their Madrid Open quarter-final 6-2 1-6 6-3. The world No 4 had been playing the first tournament of his comeback from a rib injury he picked up in his last match against the teenager, and is now shifting his focus to the upcoming French Open.

Nadal suffered his first-ever loss to Alcaraz when the teenager overcame an ankle injury he picked up in the second set to outlast the five-time former champion in two hours and 28 minutes. Following the defeat, the world No 4 was full of praise for his opponent as he said: "Happy for Carlos. He was better in various aspects."

The 21-time Grand Slam champion also thought there was still a lot of room for improvement ahead of the French Open after being sidelined for six weeks when suffering a stress fracture in his rib. "I need to get better like I said previously. I accept that," he said of his current level.

"I have two and a half weeks to get ready to have real options in Paris." The 13-time French Open also admitted it was the "dream" to arrive at the upcoming Major tournament healthy and able to compete at his top level, as he outlined the areas he needed to work on.

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"Need to be more dynamic, quicker, hit deeper. I have the right mindset. I have to accept what my main goal," he said of his aim to be ready to attempt to win a record 14th French Open and 22nd overall Grand Slam title. The third seed in Madrid also reflected on his first tournament in more than a month, admitting the altitude at the Masters tournament didn't make it the ideal place for a comeback.

"Coming back in this tournament isn't ideal," he