As Carlos Alcaraz walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier for his semifinal warm-up at the 2025 French Open, he took a brief pause to capture a moment that held deep meaning.
Just before facing Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the defending champion stopped to take a photo of Rafael Nadal’s newly unveiled footprint plaque near the court entrance.
The plaque, honoring the 14-time French Open champion, was added on the court earlier this year in an emotional ceremony recognizing his legacy at Roland Garros. In Paris, where Nadal built his empire as the King of Clay, the next generation continues to carry the torch.
For Alcaraz, a big admirer of Nadal, it was more than just a symbol — it was a source of inspiration, and that’s precisely what fans got to witness.
“I think it was the first time I could warm up before the match here on Chatrier,” Alcaraz explained when asked about the moment. “So I tried to make the most of the time. 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.”
Alcaraz, who has often credited Nadal as his childhood idol and role model, spoke about how Nadal’s fighting spirit continues to influence him, especially in tough moments on court.
“I try not to think about it too much in the match,” he said. “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.”
Alcaraz reached the French Open Finals after the Italian star retired in the third set due to injury. Alcaraz was leading 6-3, 6-4, 3-0, having just delivered his second consecutive 6-0 set of the tournament.
“All I could do is take a memory of that plaque from Rafa Nadal,” Alcaraz added with a smile.
Now into his second Roland Garros final, Alcaraz is set to face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
