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

Carlos Alcaraz Inspired by Rafael Nadal’s Legacy Before French Open 2025 Final

Carlos Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, drew profound inspiration from Rafael Nadal’s iconic footprint plaque on Court Philippe-Chatrier before his semi-final victory over Lorenzo Musetti on June 6, 2025, at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who advanced to his second consecutive final after Musetti retired at 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0 due to a thigh injury, spoke emotionally about the moment. “I think it was the first time I could warm up on Chatrier before the match, so I took a photo of Rafa’s plaque,” Alcaraz said, per Tennisuptodate.com. “Having a little bit of Rafa Nadal on Philippe-Chatrier while I’m playing is a great inspiration. In tough matches, I think about the effort and level of Rafa, how he’s fighting all the time. He never gives up. I try to do it myself.”[](https://tennisuptodate.com/atp/i-think-about-the-effort-of-rafa-carlos-alcaraz-found-extra-motivation-from-the-nadal-footprint)

Nadal, who retired after the 2024 Davis Cup, left an indelible mark with 14 French Open titles, a legacy commemorated by the footprint tribute during the 2025 tournament’s opening week, per SI.com. Alcaraz, who played doubles with Nadal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has often cited his idol’s mentality as a guiding force. “Rafa’s passion and how he handles pressure are what I admire most,” he told Roland-Garros Magazine, emphasizing their shared Spanish heritage and clay-court prowess. The viral moment, shared by @TheTennisLetter on X, showed Alcaraz capturing the plaque, with fans like @rolandgarros praising, “Carlitos channeling Rafa’s spirit 🙌.”[](https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rg2025-carlos-alcaraz-2024-champion-interview-magazine-career-ambition)[](https://x.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1931010830742770102)

Alcaraz’s nod to Nadal’s tenacity helped him overcome a first-set deficit against Musetti, hitting 28 winners to secure his spot against Jannik Sinner in the final, per BBC Sport. With a €2,550,000 prize and a chance to join Nadal as a multiple-time Roland Garros champion, Alcaraz’s connection to his idol’s legacy fuels his pursuit of a fifth Grand Slam title.