Having learned from someone throughout your entire life and now getting a chance to play against them might be one of the greatest opportunities that one can have. Carlos Alcaraz has got the chance. Growing up watching the legendary Rafael Nadal, he will have an opportunity to face him for the last time as he is about to hang his boots. But, despite playing against his idol, he does not seem to take it easy and is all set to bring out his A-game.

Currently competing at the Kings Slam, an exhibition event featuring six of the world’s top players, Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals after defeating Holger Rune in straight sets. The match ended with a 6-4, 6-2 scoreline in his favor. With this win, Alcaraz sets the stage for an exciting showdown against Rafael Nadal.

However, he does not want to stop and issues a bold statement to his long-time idol. In the post-match interview, he suggested that he will bring out his best game and will look to secure the win that will take him to the finals of the event. “I am going to go full power. I am going to go full without fear,” said Alcaraz while revealing his game plans.

Interestingly these stars have a good rivalry against each other. However, it is Nadal, who has the slightest edge over his opponent. Out of the 3 matches that they have played against each other, Nadal has managed to come out on top on 2 occasions while Alcaraz managed just 1 win.

The last meeting however between the two came back in 2022 when they faced each other in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Masters. A lot has changed since then. However, the fandom that the young Spaniard had for his idol is still the same, and would love to keep it going.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals his fandom for Rafael Nadal while talking about his retirement

Speaking further about his idol, he revealed how Nadal was the reason why he picked up a tennis racket in the first place. Ever since his childhood, he has grown up watching Nadal matches, and no matter the time, he will forever be his idol.

“Since I started to play tennis, I’m watching his matches. I look up to him and I grew up watching him. He was my idol, he is still my idol,” said Alcaraz further in the interview. “A really important person for my life, for my career, and he was one of the reasons that I wanted to become a professional tennis player. Knowing he is going to retire is pretty tough for everyone, for me.”