ATP Masters Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal on Carlos Alcaraz - "Reminds me of my 18-year-old self"
Rafael Nadal meets compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 event. The 21-time Grand Slam champion does not save in advance with praise for the 18-year-old.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Mar 18, 2022, 10:42 am
Carlos Alcaraz is already playing like a big player these days. The opponent got off to a good start in his first quarter-finals at the ATP Masters 1000 level? No problem. That he is the defending champion in Indian Wells? Even less. The 18-year-old also showed a remarkably tough performance against Cameron Norrie in the night from Thursday to Friday - and after the fourth two-set win en suite, he secured his ticket for the semi-finals.
In the semifinals, the match-up could hardly be more attractive: Spanish generation duel, the old master against the potential successor, Rafael Nadal, who was unbeaten in 2022, against Carlos Alcaraz, who only lost in one match this year. Yes, there is no lack of superlatives before this semi-final duel, which will take place on Saturday.
Nadal sprinkles roses on Alcaraz
The respect of the two is already great in advance, Nadal in any case did not hold back in his press conference after the three-set success over Nick Kyrgios with praise to his compatriot: "I think that he can no longer be stopped in his career. He has all the requirements. He has the passion, the humility, the talent and the physical component," said the Spaniard. "He reminds me of my 17/18 year old self in a lot of ways."
Regardless of the fact that Alcaraz is now - like on Saturday - a tough competitor on the way to its own success, Nadal was very happy to have such a promising stock in his own country: "He will now and in the next few months be a great rival, without a doubt. It's great to have a star from my country because we tennis lovers will see an incredible player fighting for the most important titles for many years to come."
Alcaraz sees Nadal as an idol
Alcaraz himself is already looking forward to meeting Nadal, especially since he has already played an extremely important role for the 18-year-old during his career: "It's fantastic to play against Rafa. He's been my idol since I was a child, that's why it's never easy to play against him, but I think it's going to be a fantastic match."
A match that, from Alcaraz' point of view, should take a completely different course than the only meeting between the two Spaniards so far, when Nadal only conceded three wins to his young opponent. In any case, before the semifinals, the 18-year-old tries to make a cautious declaration of war: "He destroyed me in Madrid. I think it will be different this time. I'm more mature now. I'm ready to meet him in the semifinals. "
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