Carlos Alcaraz gives the reason why he took a picture of Rafael Nadal’s plaque before his French Open semi-final

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Carlos Alcaraz drew inspiration from Rafael Nadal before his French Open semi-final.

The 21-year-old took to Court Philippe Chatrier to face Lorenzo Musetti for a spot in Sunday’s championship match.

Alcaraz last played the Italian in the Monte Carlo final, which he won 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 as Musetti faded away after suffering a leg injury.

Unfortunately for the World number seven, injury struck once again as he was unable to finish his semi-final in Paris and retired while trailing 6-4, 6-7, 0-6, 0-2.

Carlos Alcaraz explains why he took a photo of Rafael Nadal’s plaque at the French Open

The French Open’s Court Philippe Chatrier welcomed a new addition in 2025.

During Rafael Nadal’s tribute ceremony, he was overcome with emotion when it was revealed he would have his own plaque on the court.

Throughout the tournament players such as Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini have taken time to go over and look at Nadal’s plaque.

His compatriot and 2024 Olympics doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz was seen taking a picture of the plaque before his semi-final against Musetti.

Explaining why he opted to do so, Alcaraz said: “I think it was the first time that I could [take a picture with it].

“I just tried to make the most of the time, I took a little bit of time, just to take a picture of it, because I hadn’t yet. I mean, having a little bit of Rafa Nadal whilst I’m playing I think it’s a great inspiration.”

Was Carlos Alcaraz thinking about Rafael Nadal’s plaque during his French Open semi-final?

Though he was inspired by Nadal, Alcaraz admitted he was trying not to think about the plaque during his semi-final.

“I try not to think about it too much in the match, but probably in difficult matches,” Alcaraz added. “I think about the level of Rafa, his fight, he’s fighting all the time. He never gave up.

“So I try to think about it and try to make it myself. But, you know, all I do is just to take a memory from that plaque of Rafa Nadal.”

Alcaraz was playing against an opponent in Musetti who was going after his shots and applying plenty of pressure from the outset.

He lost the first set but Alcaraz outlasted his opponent in the second set tiebreak, and did not lose another game until Musetti retired from the contest due to injury.

Alcaraz is now into his second successive French Open final and he becomes the second youngest player since Nadal to reach the Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros finals in the same season.