Alcaraz, gunning for a three-peat in Madrid

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Conquering the Mutua Madrid Open is a feat that is only within reach of a select few. The winners’ circle is full with players who have graced the No. 1 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings, and two of them stand out from the crowd as the only ones capable of winning as defending champions: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

In 2024, Alcaraz has a new record in his sights at the Mutua Madrid Open. Nobody has yet managed to string together three titles in the Spanish capital. Nadal came closest after his consecutive wins in 2013 and 2014, followed by a runner-up finish the following year.

“It’s not something I’m thinking about right now,” explained Alcaraz of his chance to do the triple. “At the moment I just want to enjoy the tournament, prepare well and give my all from the first match. Then we’ll see if we can go a long way.”

Alcaraz has an opportunity to do something special in front of his home fans, at one of his favourite events. The chemistry between the US Open and Wimbledon champion and Madrid is sure to play an important role if he is to produce another chapter in his love affair with the tournament.

“Playing in Madrid is playing at home,” said the current World No. 3. “It’s a very special and amazing fortnight. I’m lucky because I have a lot of support when I play overseas, anywhere in the world, but the support I get here is incomparable. I’d say because of my style of play the altitude in Madrid benefits me. I really like playing here.”

The first time the Murcia native lifted the trophy in the Caja Magica, it was very special. After two hard-earned wins over the Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili and Briton Cameron Norrie, he played two matches that will live long in the memories of the fans in the Manolo Santana Stadium.

Alcaraz became the first player to beat Nadal and Djokovic on clay in the same tournament. Against the Serbian, he came through a three hour and 36-minute marathon before becoming Madrid’s youngest champion, at 19 years and 3 days of age, breaking the Mallorcan’s record.

“It’s difficult to choose one,” admitted Alcaraz. “In 2022, when I won the title for the first time, I played Nadal, Djokovic and Zverev consecutively. That wasn’t bad... Last year I struggled in my opener against Ruusuvuori and the final against Struff was also tough.”

In last year’s event, the El Palmar native grew his legacy. Having come through a tough opener, where he came back to beat Finland’s Emiil Ruusuvuori, he cruised his way to the final without losing another set against Grigor Dimitrov, Zverev, Karen Khachanov and Borna Coric.

However, Jan-Lennard Struff, who surprised everyone by becoming the first ‘lucky-loser’ to reach the final of an ATP Masters 1000, ensured that Alcaraz had to dig deep to keep his throne in a close battle that went to three sets.

“What I like most about Carlos Alcaraz is his bravery,” explained Feliciano Lopez, the director of the Mutua Madrid Open. “I think he’s a tremendously brave player who has no fear of taking on the best, we’ve seen that since he started at 17 or 18 years of age... He stood up to the three best players of all time, even though it was for a short time.”

“I think I would highlight his bravery, his self-confidence, the way he carries himself on court,” added Lopez. “I think he’s one of those different players where you never know what’s going to happen and I think that’s incredible. I don’t see players in tennis today who surprise you or that lift you off your seat because they do something different and special. And Carlos has that. That bravery, that variety of shots to me is Carlos’ hallmark. He’s arrived at a time in which tennis has one similar style, and suddenly this kid comes along and surprises you, hits a drop shot at you, comes to the net, attacks, defends... That’s why I think people like him so much.”

The challenge facing Alcaraz is as special as it is difficult; to become the first tennis player in history to win the Mutua Madrid Open three times on the trot. Easier said than done.