Carlos Alcaraz played Nadal twice and twice he was the first player to leave the court however the young gun was eager to play him a 3rd time and his wish will come true.
Carlos Alcaraz turned 19 years of age yesterday and the Spaniard gave himself the perfect present. Taking on Cameron Norrie he outperformed the Brit down the stretch to earn the right to challenge Nadal a 3rd time. They say 3rd time's the charm and Alcaraz is certainly hoping it will. They played twice so far with Nadal getting the win each time but Carlitos is not discouraged:
"I lost twice against him and I wanted to play against him the third time. I think it's going to be different from last year [in Madrid] and the last match that we played [in Indian Wells]. I'm excited to play against Rafa here in Madrid in front of the Spanish crowd. It's going to be a great day and a great match."
Nadal graciously said that Alcaraz is the favourite in the match because he was younger, more fit and playing better in recent months. Factually it's correct however Alcaraz played it down once asked about it :
"Rafa is the best ever on clay. Even if he says I’m the favourite tomorrow, he’s the five-time champion so he must be the favourite. I’m the new one, the player who shouldn't feel pressure for competing against one of the all-time greats.
Realistically speaking this will be his best chance to take down Nadal as the Spaniard is coming off of a long injury break with very little preparation and a 3-hour match the day before. Asked how he can defeat Nadal, Alcaraz kept it close to the vest:
"Honestly, I don't know. I always say that he has 1,000 lives. He dies and he survives, in every tough match for him. I think if I play a pretty good game, I'll have chances to win."
Alcaraz also touched upon the fans who embraced him as well as they did Nadal which he is grateful for. He did say that he hopes to get a small group of people to cheer him on:
“I’m earning my own path- I am very happy for the way the public is cheering me on. But Rafa is Rafa. The people love me more every day, but Rafa is much more famous. I hope a little section of the stadium supports me tomorrow. But I’m ready to know that most of the crowd will be behind him."
Don't miss it later today. We will have a report for you as soon as it ends!
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