17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz put up one of the best performances of his career against legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal on Saturday at Indian Wells. The experienced veteran won the match but congratulated the little Spaniard for his brilliant performance. Nadal had said in a previous interview that Alcaraz reminded him of himself when he was 17 or 18.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on an amazing Indian Wells campaign
El Nino complimented Alcaraz through an Instagram post. He congratulated Carlos on the amazing tournament and wished him luck. He wrote, “One of the things I can say: Congrats Carlos for this great tournament. You are amazing and I wish all the best!”
Nadal believes in the potential of the youngster and has faith in him being unstoppable in his career. Carlos considers Rafael Nadal as his idol and, as per him, playing against Rafael was a special experience. Their semi-final clash was a thrilling three-setter in which Rafa came out victorious with the score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 against Garfia.
Nadal faces Taylor Fritz in Indian Wells 2022 Final
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 took an unexpected turn. The wind played a major role in it. Rafael Nadal kept his momentum going and used his experience to good effect and squeezed victory against Alcaraz.
The Spanish youngster played against Nadal for the first time in the 2021 Madrid Open, where he lost in straight sets. Coming to Indian Wells semis, Alcaraz pushed the limits and gave a tough challenge to Spain’s Raging Bull in a bout that lasted for more than three hours.
WATCH THIS STORY: Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban Dictionary!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal will face home favorite, Taylor Fritz in the BNP Paribas Open final. The world no. 20 defeated seventh seed Andrey Rublev in the semis in straight sets. Both Fritz and Nadal met last time in the finals of 2020 Acapulco Open, where the Spaniard won comfortably in straight sets.