People all around the world are excited to witness the duo of Nadal-Alcaraz
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is set to appear in the Olympics 2024 to represent his home country Spain. Tennis enthusiasts are super excited because the tournament will see Nadal teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, putting the OG star and Spain’s young-gun on the court side-by-side.
The 38-year-old legend and the 21-year-old talented player are already getting nicknames such as 'Nadalcaraz' and 'Alcadal' from the fans. While Alcaraz has termed the partnership his dream pair, Nadal took the opportunity to praise Alcaraz by stating, “He shows what a professional he is in the way he is with teammates, and that is the legacy you leave in sport and for those teammates. He always has a smile and he is happy to talk to anyone. It is great to have role models like him.”
Given the opening round of tennis is still a few days, it is the apt time to recall some of Alcaraz’s triumphs against legendary players that substantiates the round of praise Alcaraz received from Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz pulled off an upset against Rafael Nadal 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 in a dramatic quarterfinal at the Madrid Open that lasted two hours and 28 minutes. Then, the 19-year-old fought through an ankle injury to win against the 21-time Grand Slam champion. Alcaraz took control in the opening set but stumbled in the second due to his injury. However, he regained form after a medical timeout and further delay in the final set.
Tearing down Nadal's serve with a scintillating display secured him the win. He then beat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals before taking out Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1 in the final to seal the title. Results-wise, this stunning run made him the first player to defeat Nadal and Djokovic in the same clay-court tournament.
Following the battle with Nadal, Alcaraz displayed his prowess against Djokovic 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) in three hours and 35 minutes. Alcaraz could not have gotten off to a better start, securing the first set, but Novak Djokovic returned in the second after saving three break points and converting his fourth set point in a tight tiebreak. Alcaraz hit back aggressively in the second set, breaking Djokovic's serve in the 12th game to win 7-5.
Exchanges of breaks occurred in both directions in the final set, with Djokovic receiving treatment for an injury to his hand. Even when Djokovic had saved a match point and battled back to 4-2 in the tiebreak, Alcaraz emerged victorious with a confident forehand winner.
Carlos Alcaraz seized his second consecutive Wimbledon title, beating Novak Djokovic in a dominant fashion of 6-2, 6-2, 7-6. With this victory, he joined the small group of men who emerged victorious on clay and grass within the same year. The match's opening game, which lasted 15 minutes and 20 points, gave a statement that Alcaraz despite his young age was not to be toyed with.
Racked by physical problems, Djokovic made mistakes like double faults, which gave Alcaraz a 5-1 advantage in the first set and also helped the youngster win the second. Power, precision, and creativity were a part of Alcaraz’s arsenal as he served brilliantly, including one launch as fast as 136 mph and one particularly memorable behind-the-back shot. He converted five of 14 breakpoints, while Djokovic, hindered by discomfort, won just 27 of 53 net points. At 21, Alcaraz remains undefeated in the Grand Slam finals, now 4-0.
