Carlos Alcaraz recently talked about how much he would like to spend more time with Rafael Nadal, considering that the Spanish player is going to retire.
In a thrilling exhibition match on Sunday in Las Vegas, Alcaraz and Nadal warmed up for the ATP Indian Wells Masters. Alcaraz won by a margin of 3-6, 6-4, 14-12, following the loss of five match points.
Both Spaniards utilized this match, which was streamed live on Netflix from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, to evaluate their physical condition and level of preparation for the next round of ATP events. Nadal missed most of the previous year due to a hip injury he sustained at the Australian Open.
Alcaraz told the press before the match that he loved having discussions with the 22-time Grand Slam winner in person and that he grew up watching Nadal on television.
Alcaraz opened by saying that he would want to spend more time with the 37-year-old, but he also mentioned how much he appreciates and learns from their talks.
Alcaraz expressed his thoughts about spending time with Nadal and said: “But I have seen him a lot on TV. I have grown up watching him play. And any personal experience with him has been incredible. I would have loved to share more time with Rafa. I try to enjoy every day that I meet him, cross paths with him, and learn to the maximum.”
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently the world no.
2, Carlos played his last match on the 20th of February when he had to retire when playing against world no.113 Thiago Moura Monteiro in the 1st round and the scoreline was 1-1 .Currently, during this year Carlos has managed to achieve a 6-3 match record. Carlos Alcaraz’s best accomplishment of the year was getting to the semifinal in Buenos Aires.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now ranked no.652, the Spaniard played his last match on the 5th of January when he surrendered to world no.33 Jordan Thompson 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 in the quarter in Brisbane (draw).
Until now, during this year the Spaniard achieved an overall 2-1 match record.
He is also scheduled to play in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell). The main draw will start on the 15th of April.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal clashed against each other 3 times. Their actual head to head record is 2-1 for Nadal. The last time they locked horns, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |