"I think about the effort of Rafa": Carlos Alcaraz found extra motivation from the Nadal footprint

Carlos Alcaraz explained why he took a photo with Rafael Nadal's footprint before playing his Roland Garros semifinal match against Lorenzo Musetti. The defending champion was up two sets to one when the Italian retired due to injury (5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 2-0, ret.).

'Carlitos' is having an incredible run on clay courts, with a 21-1 record in this year's swing, winning titles at the Monte-Carlo Masters and Rome Open. The world No. 2 is just one victory away from securing his 5th Grand Slam title and successfully defending his French Open crown.

In the semifinal clash, he faced Musetti, whom he had previously met in the Monte-Carlo final and Rome semifinals this year, both times with the Spaniard emerging victorious. This time on Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz drew inspiration from his compatriot Rafa Nadal – the King of Clay – by taking a photo next to the commemorative footprint placed at the beginning of the tournament.

"I think it was the first time I could warm up before the match here on Chatrier. So I tried to make the most of the time," stated the four-time Grand Slam champion. "Took a bit of time to take a picture of that. Having a little bit of Rafa Nadal on Philippe Chatrier while I’m playing is a great inspiration."

"I try not to think about it too much in the match. But in difficult matches, I think about the effort and the level of Rafa, how he’s fighting all the time. He never gives up. I try to think about it and try to do it myself. All I could do is take a memory of that plaque from Rafa Nadal."

Alcaraz awaits his opponent, who will emerge from the winner of the Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic match, set to play on Friday night. The final will take place on Sunday with an on-fire Alcaraz, who will seek to add his 14th consecutive victory at Roland Garros and his 5th major title.