Alcaraz faces a 'difficult' showdown with his idol, Nadal, in Riyadh

Carlos Alcaraz expressed on Wednesday that facing his "idol" Rafael Nadal (38) on Thursday will be a "difficult moment," as the two Spanish tennis stars prepare for their final encounter.

Nadal, who has secured 22 Grand Slam titles, announced last week his intention to retire from professional tennis following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

On Thursday, the 38-year-old will compete against Alcaraz for a spot in the final of the "6 Kings Slam" exhibition event in Riyadh.

"Since I began playing tennis, I have been watching his matches. He has always been my idol, and I grew up admiring him," Alcaraz stated on the court after his victory over Holger Rune with a score of 6-4, 6-2, which set the stage for this poignant meeting with Nadal.

"He has been a significant influence in my life and career, and he is one of the reasons I aspired to become a professional tennis player. The news of his retirement is quite challenging for everyone, including myself."

Alcaraz, the current champion of both the French Open and Wimbledon, remarked, "I will strive to enjoy the experience of sharing the court with him once more, but I believe it is a tough situation for all involved."

Nadal and Alcaraz have faced each other three times on the main ATP Tour, with the soon-to-retire veteran leading the series 2-1.

The two Spaniards partnered in doubles at the Paris Olympics this year and are anticipated to join forces again at the Davis Cup Finals.

Nadal also made his final singles appearance at the Olympics on the same Roland Garros courts where he claimed 14 French Open titles, with his singles journey concluding against his longtime rival Novak Djokovic in the second round.

In the other semi-final in Riyadh on Thursday, Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner, the champion of the Australian Open and US Open. World number one Sinner advanced effortlessly past Daniil Medvedev with a score of 6-0, 6-3 on Wednesday.

SportsLigue