Rafael Nadal’s former coach challenges Alcaraz’s view after Indian Wells defeat
Carlos Alcaraz admitted feeling the pressure of having a “target on his back” following his semi-final loss to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells last week.
Despite winning 16 of his first 17 matches this season, the Spaniard suggested he was growing tired of facing opponents at their very best. However, Toni Nadal has now responded to those comments — and made it clear he does not share that perspective.
Toni Nadal rejects Alcaraz’s explanation after Medvedev loss
Speaking after his defeat in California, Alcaraz reflected on the challenge of consistently facing elevated performances from his rivals.
“I’m getting a bit tired of having that target on my back all the time,” he said. “I’ve never seen Daniil play like that before. But I have to accept it and keep going.”
He added that his focus remains internal: “It’s about playing for myself, for my team, for the people close to me — not thinking that I have to win every match.”
Toni Nadal, though, dismissed the idea that opponents raise their level specifically because of Alcaraz’s status.
“I don’t agree at all,” he told Radioestadio, as reported by José Morón of Punto de Break. “It’s not about having a target on your back. When you face a better player, you naturally take more risks and play more aggressively.”
He continued: “It’s not because it’s Alcaraz — it’s because the opponent knows they’re up against someone stronger. Of course, players like Medvedev would rather face someone else than Alcaraz or Sinner, but they understand they must push harder in those matches.”
Miami Masters offers Alcaraz immediate chance to respond
Alcaraz now turns his attention to the Miami Masters, where he has a significant opportunity to gain ranking points.
The 22-year-old has just 30 ATP points to defend after his early exit last year, meaning a deep run — or even a title — could yield up to 970 additional points in Florida.
That task, however, will not be straightforward. Jannik Sinner arrives with momentum after his Indian Wells success, while Medvedev has reasserted himself as a major threat on hard courts.