Nadal congratulates Alcaraz on winning 2022 Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal shared a classy message congratulating his countryman Carlos Alcaraz for winning the 2022 Madrid Open.

Alcaraz's dream season has gone from strength to strength, and he garnished it with another title success on home soil. At 19, he became the youngest winner of the Madrid Open, and he did it in style.

The young Spaniard has been a breath of fresh air in men's tennis this year, capturing titles in Rio, Miami, and, most recently, Barcelona. He has broken into the Top 10 as a result and has been tipped by Nadal to win many Grand Slams and become the next World No. 1.

Alcaraz's week in the Spanish capital was mindblowing as he defeated both Nadal and Novak Djokovic in back-to-back days to reach the final. There, he did not flinch as he toppled former champion Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1.

Nadal was among the first people to congratulate him on Instagram, just like he did after he won in Barcelona last month. He may have to do this frequently in the future, as Alcaraz has become an instant hit and contender in every tournament he plays in.

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Alcaraz considers Nadal his idol. The 21-time Grand Slam champion is the benchmark for aspiring Spanish tennis players, and it's not surprising that the new World No. 6 looks up to him.

Many saw their Madrid clash as somewhat of a 'passing the torch' moment, and while it might be, Nadal is not yet done. Roland Garros will be interesting to observe as Alcaraz confidently admitted that he was ready for his first Grand Slam.

Alcaraz will not compete at the Italian Open, which will be the next stop before the French Open. Nadal, meanwhile, is in Rome getting some practice minutes before his opening match.

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