Carlos Alcaraz Drops Vital Injury Update Ahead of Indian Wells 2024

Carlos Alcaraz, the current world no. 22 and the new Spanish tennis sensation,  recently shared a positive update about his ankle injury ahead of the Netflix Slam. The Spaniard had previously maintained that he would only be out for a few days,  but uncertainty among fans loomed large. However, it seems the youngster is ready to get back to winning in Las Vegas and California.

The news is welcomed by fans all around the world, as he is set to face 22 Grand Slam winners and fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the first-ever Netflix Slam. Let’s see what the two-time Grand Slam winner, Spanish Maverick, has to say.

Carlos Alcaraz says he feels good

In the latest pre-match presser organized by Netflix ahead of the big clash, the two-grand slam title winner, Alcaraz, shared a vital update about the injury. Looking fresh and fit, he disclosed, “The ankle is going very well. The time has been short. I have worked every day since I had it done to arrive prepared for the Netflix game. The sensations have been improving, and I feel good.”

His fans will surely breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing this. When asked about his relationship with Nadal, he said, “It’s great to have him around.”  He expounds further, saying that he has grown up watching him and learning from him: “We have not met much on the circuit, but I have seen him 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 do. meet and cross paths with him, and learn as much as possible.”

Although an exhibition match, it will be crucial in terms of gauging the two Spaniards’ preparedness for the Indian Wells Masters Cup. In the build-up to this matchup, it seems imperative to have a look at the small history of matches behind them.

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafale Nadal, head to head

37-year-old Nadal and 2-year-old Alcaraz have faced each other only three times before in the ATP circuit, with The King of Clay winning two times. The first win was at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021, where the veteran established his authority with a resounding 6-1, 6-2 win in straight sets. Rafa did it again the second time in 2022 at Indian Wells, although he had to work harder than before but managed to clinch the win in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz won their third encounter the same year at the 2022 Mutua Madrid. Snatching the victory in three sets, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3, indicating an uphill graph. When asked about his match against Nadal, he quipped, “It’s always nice. We have faced each other three times. There have been two good battles and the first one is better not to remember. It is a good preparation for Indian Wells to see what we have to improve, where our level is, and to continue learning from it now.” 

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz Reveals What He Learned From Rafael Nadal After His Blowout Victory at the Australian Open 2021

It’s the legend vs. the prodigy, the past vs. the future, the former world no. 1 vs. the current world no. 2, and fans better prepare for their screens to be set ablaze.

The match between the Spanish tennis stars will take place in Las Vegas at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on March 3.

Read More: Netflix Slam: Rafael Nadal Fanboy Carlos Alcaraz Relishes Unique ‘Privilege’ Ahead of Exhibition Match Against His Idol