‘He’s going to be a fantastic player,’ says Rafael Nadal after handing tough lesson to birthday boy Carlos Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal was in no mood to go easy on Carlos Alcaraz’s 18th birthday as he brushed aside the teenager at the Madrid Open, but he predicted great things for the teenager after their clash.
Dubbed a “generational match” before current tennis icon Nadal and up and coming star Alcaraz stepped onto Manolo Santana Stadium, the encounter didn’t quite live up to expectation as the veteran overwhelmed the young gun.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner claimed a straightforward 6-1, 6-2 victory in one hour and 15 minutes.
Not to be today…
A stunning display of tennis from @RafaelNadal, who sees off birthday boy Alcaraz 6-1 6-2 in Madrid!#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/RvQCGWJdbw
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2021
Nadal broke twice in the first set and three times in the second, although Alcaraz did manage to break once in the second set.
The world No 2, though, had nothing but praise for the 18-year-old.
“He has a lot of potential. He’s young and a good guy,” he said. “He already has a great level of tennis today, but I really believe that he’s going to be a fantastic player in the near future.”
He added: “I wish him all the very best. (As a) Spanish player and Spanish (tennis) fan, I really believe that we need somebody like him, and it’s great to have him here.”
Alexei Popyrin awaits in the third round after the Australian upset Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.
Recently crowned Monte-Carlo Masters champion Stefanos Tsitsipas claimed an equally impressive win as he beat Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-2 in just 54 minutes.
The fourth seed will face Casper Ruud next after the Norwegian beat Yoshihito Nishioka 6-1, 6-2.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WimbledonRoger Federer is beaten on grass as his Wimbledon hopes take a hit
Federer’s hopes of a lengthy run in the Halle grass court event came to an end as he was beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime.
-
NewsCameron Norrie beats Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev at Queen’s
Norrie is through to the last eight at Queen’s Club for the first time.
-
WimbledonWimbledon to open its doors to the public and here is how you get tickets
The 2021 tournament is set to get under way on June 28 at the All England Club.
-
NewsAndy Murray receives Wimbledon wild card with preparations in full swing
Murray will play singles at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray gets Wimbledon wildcard as rising British star is also rewarded
Andy Murray has been announced as one of the initial recipients of a Wimbledon wild card, along with fellow Brit Jack Draper.
-
WimbledonWimbledon confirm Naomi Osaka has yet to withdraw from this year’s Championships
Wimbledon chiefs have confirmed that Naomi Osaka is still entered into the draw for this year’s Championships.
-
NewsAndy Murray braced for tough time watching Scotland game in all-English bubble
The former world number one will be with his coaching staff at Queen’s when the two countries face off at Euro 2020.
-
NewsAndy Murray preparing for a tough night when Scotland play England in Euro 2020
Andy Murray is fearing a “tough” experience when he watches Scotland’s Euro 2020 clash with England on Friday.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Judy Murray urges tennis chiefs to provide mental health aid to all players after Naomi Osaka incident
Judy Murray believes game should do more to support players.
-
NewsAndy Murray admits he has been telling himself each match could be his last
After completing a routine 6-3 6-2 victory – his first singles win on home soil in 1084 days – Murray became tearful in his courtside interview.