Rafael Nadal finds a fitting word to describe Carlos Alcaraz in charming joint interview
Rafael Nadal’s singles career will end on Saturday after he was beaten 6-3, 6-3 by Carlos Alcaraz in the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
Nadal’s story as a singles player will now fittingly conclude with a final showdown with his greatest rival Novak Djokovic in the exhibition event in Riyadh, with his level of play relatively impressive in his final clash with Alcaraz, who is his young successor as the king of Spanish tennis.
With Nadal confirming he will retire from tennis after a final appearance for Spain in next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, this lucrative exhibition event in Saudi Arabia is part of his farewell tour.
And in in charming on court interview hosted by broadcaster Andrew Castle, Nadal paid the ultimate tribute to his 21-year-old compatriot.
“I tried, even though I have not been on a competitive stage for a couple of months,” Nadal told a packed crowd in Riyhad.
“It was a good performance, even if it was not enough to play against an animal like him. It was a positive match for me and I’m happy.”
Nadal received a rapturous reception from the crowd in Saudi Arabia and he thanked the fans for their support.
“I feel well supported and loved all around the world,” said Nadal.
“I’ll never have the chance to thank enough everyone enough. They helped me when I was in tough moments and positive moments and they’ve always been bringing me to the next level of energy. I feel very fortunate.
“I had a very long and successful career. The support and love around the world means I did things good of course on court but at the same time off the court. I tried to be nice to everyone all these years. I feel happy and satisfied about the love from the crowds everywhere.”
Castle went on to ask Nadal if he had any advice for Alcaraz and he added: “I think he doesn’t need much advice. He has a great team, great family. He’s gonna be doing very well with what he has. He’s learning all the time.
“When you’re in the tennis world, when someone comes from the same country as you and he’s winning, he’s special.
“People told me someone very good is coming. I didn’t have the chance to watch him until we practiced in Australia in 2021. Something like this. Even if he was very young you see things you don’t see in the others. You can see it now.”
“We can see he’s evolving in every way. But of course, I’ll be ready any time he wants to call me.”
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Alcaraz could not stop smiling on court as he stood next to Nadal for the interview and he insisted he needed to play at a high level to beat the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
“Trust me I had to play at my best level,” Alcaraz said. “Obviously Rafa has been out of competition. In tennis, you have to have matches on the court to feel good.
“I knew I had to be focused. Try to play my best tennis if I want to beat Rafa. It’s always tough. It’s been a good moment and a good time sharing the court with him once again.”
Alcaraz will now play Jannik Sinner in Saturday’s final, with a prize money cheque of around £4.6m set to be handed to the winner.
That is more than Alcaraz and Sinner won for claiming victory in any of their Grand Slam finals in 2024, highlighting the scale of the financial rewards on offer in the Six Kings Slam.
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