Rafael Nadal has tipped fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz to win the 2025 Madrid Open, calling him the clear favorite—if he’s healthy.

Nadal and Alcaraz were both present at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where Nadal was honored with the Laureus Sporting Icon Award. During a brief interview after the ceremony, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was asked who he sees as the frontrunner at this year’s Madrid Masters.

“If Carlos is feeling good physically, then I believe he’s always the favorite,” Nadal said.

And it’s easy to see why Nadal feels that way.

Alcaraz’s History at the Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz has already lifted the Madrid trophy twice—back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. Despite struggling with an arm injury last year, he still managed to reach the quarter-finals before falling to Andrey Rublev, the eventual champion.

Now 21 years old, Alcaraz returns to his home tournament after a promising start to the clay season. He won the Monte Carlo Masters and made it to the final of the Barcelona Open, where his impressive nine-match winning streak was snapped by Holger Rune.

Injury Concerns

Alcaraz did show signs of discomfort during that Barcelona final. He picked up a minor abductor injury early in the second set, which impacted his movement in the 6-7(6), 2-6 loss.

Speaking at a press conference after the match, Alcaraz was cautiously optimistic:

“There were a few points where I felt tightness in my right psoas. When that happens, it’s hard to stay focused. But I think it’ll only take a couple of days of rest. I’m confident it won’t affect my Madrid Open.”

Alcaraz is set to begin his Madrid campaign against either Zizou Bergs or Yoshihito Nishioka, depending on the outcome of their first-round match.

Nadal Knows Madrid

Nadal’s opinion carries serious weight—he’s won the Madrid Open a record five times, including once on hard courts in 2005 and four more times after the switch to clay in 2009.

Now retired from professional tennis, Nadal remains a towering figure in the sport and a vocal supporter of Alcaraz, who many view as his natural successor.

Final Word

With two Madrid titles, a fiery start to the clay season, and a nation behind him, Carlos Alcaraz enters the 2025 Madrid Open as the player to beat—especially with a legend like Nadal backing him.

But the big question remains: Can Alcaraz stay healthy and deliver on home soil once again?

Only time will tell.

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