Tennis player Rafa Nadal: “I would like to say goodbye well, being competitive and enjoying the court”

LAS VEGAS (UNITED STATES), March 3 (from EUROPA PRESS special envoy, Raquel Laguna) –

The Spanish tennis players Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will meet this Sunday at 12:00 Las Vegas time in ‘The Netflix Slam’, an exceptional exhibition match at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas that will mark their fourth face-to-face meeting.

Facing a sports legend like Rafa Nadal again is a privilege for Alcaraz. «He is always pretty. For me it is special to play with Rafa again, to measure myself against him. Obviously, it is a good preparation for Indian Wells, to see what we have to improve where our level is and continue learning from him, since it is a privilege to have him around,” said the Murcian during a press conference before several media outlets. among which was Europa Press.

As for what he has learned from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Carlitos regretted not having met him much on the circuit. «But I have seen it a lot on TV. I have grown up watching him play. And any personal experience with him has been incredible. I would have loved to share more time with Rafa. I try to enjoy every day that I meet him and come across him, and learn as much as possible,” he said.

For his part, the Spaniard pointed out that the one from El Palmar “is fresh air for tennis and he is a special player.” «Carlos has a youth that gives you many things. He has an energy, a passion and a self-confidence that helps you face important moments with little fear. For his age, he is one of the most complete players I have seen. He has all the records, in addition to a marvelous physique. “He is where he deserves and he works hard,” said the man from Manacor.

NADAL’S POSSIBLE RETIREMENT

Alcaraz sprained his ankle 12 days ago in his debut at the Rio de Janeiro tournament, but the sprain has not prevented him from being in Las Vegas. «The ankle is doing very well. The time has been short. I have worked every day since I got it to arrive prepared for the Netflix game. The sensations have been improving and I feel good,” explained the athlete.

As for Nadal, he has not played a set since Brisbane and there is speculation that this could be his last season. «I have had better and worse moments. The most important thing for me is that I am here. This is the reality. If I’m here it’s already good news. Two weeks ago, beyond the results, the goal was to play the Las Vegas and Indian Wells match and I am closer to achieving it. I don’t know what level I’ll be at in Indian Wells, but it’s the least important thing today,” he said.

Despite the physical setbacks, the Mallorcan does not want to talk about goodbyes. «I’m not saying goodbye because then I would say that I don’t play anymore. I would like to say goodbye well, being competitive and enjoying myself on the track. Whether that can be or not, time will tell,” reflected the former world number one.

In a few days, he will return to the Indian Wells tournament, the first ATP Masters 1,000 of the season, and you have your sights set on the Monte Carlo Masters. «For now, I am considering playing in Indian Wells. I would love to play in Monte Carlo. At these moments in my career, I have to analyze how I am at all times, the feelings I have and where I most want to play. “I want to do the things that I really want to be happy,” he concluded.