Rafael Nadal o opened his campaign at the Mutua Madrid Open by challenging his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz last Wednesday. The former world number 1, just crowned with a new triumph in Barcelona, crushed Alcaraz in two sets on the young Spaniard’s 18th birthday.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has won five times at the Caja Magica, although his last title dates back to the 2017 edition. The 34-year-old from Manacor had to settle for the final three times instead. (2009, 2011 and 2015), testifying to a feeling not always ideal with the Masters 1000 at home and confirming this this year by losing in the quarter-finals.
Rafa’s hunt for Madrid’s sixth seal ended in failure, he was taken out by an Alexander Zverev in his heyday. Via his official Twitter account, former WTA number 1 Tracy Austin described the Mallorcan as an extraordinary example for athletes of all disciplines.
Tracy Austin on Rafael Nadal
“I play with passion, with clear goals and with the love of the game with the right intensity and at the same time I have enough passion to go out on the court every day and try to be a better player,” said said Rafael Nadal.
“These sayings explain it all,” said Tracy Austin who then suggested that “all tennis clubs and locker rooms should” put Nadal’s quote on their walls in order to guide and motivate their players.
“All tennis clubs and locker rooms should post this quote on their wall!” Austin said of Nadal. “Refreshing and so inspiring. Because that’s ‘what it takes to shine’
During Carlos Alcaraz’s post-match press conference, the interviewer asked him how he felt about playing Rafael Nadal. Unlike most players, the young Spaniard remained confident and answered the question.
“I’ve always wanted to play Rafa, learn from him. I don’t know how to describe that feeling now; it’s a dream come true,” said Carlos.
In addition, he opened up about his plan against the 2021 Madrid Open seed. He believes he will bring something more than a tennis racket to the match, namely knowledge of the game. Rafa.
“I know his game a little bit, and I’ll try to play my best, and we’ll see what happens,” concluded the Spanish teenager. Interestingly, Carlos’ coach Juan Carlos Ferrero was a former opponent of the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
His experience with Rafa Nadal will therefore also have played a role in this match of the 32nd of finals, but no surprises Nadal’s experience will have overcome the ardor of young Alcaraz.
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