Alcaraz, Nadal hope to aid flood-stricken Spain

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal hope to somehow come to the aid of fellow Spaniards after the flash floods which devastated the Valencia region this week, resulting in more than 150 deaths.

The high-profile players stand ready to help compatriots hit by the natural disaster.

Alcaraz, from Murcia in the south of the country, told French media this week before his Paris Masters third-round exit to Ugo Humbert, that he hopes to aid relief efforts.

“I’m a well-known image of Spain, I’m a visible voice,” the ATP No. 2 said. “So I’m going to try to help in any way I can. 

“It’s a very complicated time, not only for the affected provinces, but for all of Spain. I hope that all this will pass soon. 

“I have seen images and videos, everything that is being commented on social media, none of this is pleasant for any citizen, for any Spaniard.”

Though his hometown lies 220 km south of the flood-affected area, Alcaraz feels a kinship with his compatriots.

“There is still a lot of uncertainty, we need to know to what extent everything has been affected, to know the number of deaths and missing people,” he said.

“I feel very familiar with everything, it hurts me as if I were from that city.”

For his part, Nadal, whose academy on the island of Mallorca also suffered some flooding, has also pledged support:

 “Today has been a sad day with the suffering and pain caused by the storm in our country. It breaks our hearts to see these images,” he posted on Twitter/X.

“My love and support go out to all those who have lost family members and friends. Strength and encouragement to everyone.”

The tennis pair were joined in their efforts by Spain’s motoGP start Marc Marquez, who told AFP:

“It makes no sense to start repairing the damage (at the Valencia circuit) while so many people are left homeless. 

“In theory, we have a Grand Prix scheduled there (November 15 to 17). But right now, all resources must go to helping those who have lost their homes.” 

Main photo:- Torrential rains and flash floods brought devastation to many communities in eastern Spain