Rafael Nadal downplays his chances in his highly anticipated Madrid Open quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz – the youngster touted in Spain as his successor.
Nadal, 35, and Alcaraz, 19, will meet on Friday in a clash of generations that Spanish fans have been dying to see up close.
Nadal won both matches he played against Alcaraz but said the youngster was in better shape for Friday’s encounter in what is expected to be a sold-out ‘Caja Mágica’ center court.
“I think today he is better than me and he has good dynamics, good momentum,” Nadal said. “I think I’m a very realistic person, and that doesn’t stop me from believing that I can win or that I can do it, but today I think Alcaraz is in a better physical state of mind. , is in better shape. I came here without playing. He’s younger, so he has that extra energy.
GLADIATOR 😍
The four match points save like @Rafael Nadal seals a special victory in Madrid!@Rafael Nadal #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/phNlJCDPwE
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2022
Nadal is coming back from a six-week injury layoff and hasn’t been able to properly prepare for the Madrid tournament. He saved four match points in his three-set victory over David Goffin in the third round on Thursday.
“I know who, from the start, has some sort of advantage in tomorrow’s game,” Nadal said. “But in that regard, I will try to do my best to be competitive. Alcaraz, ranked ninth, celebrated his 19th birthday by beating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3 on Thursday.
Alcaraz couldn’t disagree more on who will be the favorite on Friday.
“I always say he’s got 1,000 lives – he’s dying and he survives every tough game. » @alcarazcarlo03 looking forward to facing Nadal at #MMOPEN. pic.twitter.com/EzVnMV4xkP
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2022
“He’s one of the best players in the world, and I would say the best player in the world on clay,” Alcaraz said.
“Even if he says I’m the favourite, he’s not fit enough, he’s coming from an injury, you still have to consider Rafa the favorite because he’s already won here five times and everything. what he has achieved on clay.
“At the end of the day, I’m the new kid, the newcomer, the one who shouldn’t be pressured against one of the best players in history,” he said.
Nadal and Alcaraz each have three titles this season, the most with Andrey Rublev.
Carlito’s day 🥳
birthday boy @alcarazcarlo03 dominates Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 6-3 in Madrid.#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/FId9KXnVmz
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2022
Nadal said he was more concerned about preparing for the upcoming French Open than losing Alcaraz.
“For him, yes, the momentum to keep winning, but for me, at the end of the day, it’s who’s going to be the best in three weeks,” said the 21-time Grand Slam champion. ” It’s my goal. Nadal said he doesn’t see any rivalry with Alcaraz because of the age difference.
“If I was eight or 10 years younger, maybe Carlos had reached that moment 10 years ago, we could be talking about a new potential rivalry,” Nadal said.
“I don’t have those kinds of rivalries at this point. My opponents are (Novak) Djokovic, (Roger) Federer, (Andy) Murray in his time. This has been my career and my rivalries. Djokovic told Madrid this week that his son had already replaced Nadal with Alcaraz as his idol.
“Alcaraz is his favorite player now,” said the top-ranked Serbian, who could face either Spaniard in the semi-finals if he progresses.
“The spirit of the Real Madrid team is incredible. In some ways it was an inspiration to me”
🇪🇸 @Rafael Nadal @realmadriden #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/QhVLMTVrCs
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2022
Nadal said Alcaraz has already shown he has the ability to continue playing at a high level for a long time.
“As a tennis fan and sportsman, I think it’s great to have a player like Carlos who was able to reach this level and this strength,” Nadal said.
“I think he’s a player who’s going to give us a lot of good times in the next few, I don’t know, 10, 12, 14.” Nadal beat Alcaraz on his 18th birthday in the Round of 16 in Madrid Last year. He also beat him in the semi-finals of Indian Wells earlier this year.
The young Spaniard said ahead of this week’s tournament that last year he only tried to compete with the best, while now he feels he can be considered one of the best.
With his victory at Barcelona last month, he became the youngest player in the top 10 since Nadal in 2005.
“I think I’m building my path. I’m very happy with the way people are cheering me on, the way they’re supporting me,” Alcaraz said.
“I think little by little people are supporting me and loving me a bit more, but Rafa has been with us for many years. Many more people know him.
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