Alcaraz stuns Nadal in emotional showdown as veteran’s career nears its twilight

Rafael Nadal, aged 38, acknowledged that his fitness level is significantly below that of the top players on the tour after suffering a straight-sets defeat to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, 21, who characterized the exhibition match as "a little bit sad."

Nadal, who recently announced his intention to retire from tennis following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, lost 6-3, 6-3 to Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the "Six Kings Slam" event held in Saudi Arabia.

In the aftermath of the match, Nadal referred to Alcaraz, the winner of both the French Open and Wimbledon this year, as an "animal" and conceded that he was not performing at an elite level.

"I feel little pressure here. My focus is on enjoying myself," he stated during the post-match press conference.

"I am aware that I will be competing against players who are in far better condition than I am, as they are actively participating in the professional tour and securing tournament victories."

Alcaraz expressed his awareness of the Saudi audience's support for Nadal but emphasized his desire to allow Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion with 14 titles at the French Open, to receive that admiration.

"It's a little bit sad... It was not a very comfortable moment for me. Naturally, I wanted to win," Alcaraz remarked.

"Once you step onto the court, there are no friends, no idols... (but) I believe this is his moment right now," he added.

Before Thursday's encounter, Nadal's last singles match took place at the Olympic Games in Paris, where he was eliminated by his longtime rival Novak Djokovic in the second round.

He also partnered with Alcaraz in men's doubles at the Games and may continue that collaboration at the Davis Cup Finals.

Nadal is set to face Djokovic again on Saturday, following Djokovic's narrow defeat to Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open and US Open champion, who won 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 and will compete against Alcaraz in the final.

"Facing Novak again brings a sense of nostalgia," Nadal remarked, looking forward to their match for third place in the Saudi exhibition.

"We have encountered each other numerous times, so it will be enjoyable to compete against him once more in this match.

Regarding the upcoming Davis Cup Finals next month, Nadal expressed uncertainty about his current form.

Emotionally, I am confident that I will be prepared. However, in terms of physical condition and tennis performance, there is still a month left for preparation," he stated, emphasizing that he would not hesitate to voice his concerns if he felt unfit to compete effectively in singles.

SportsLigue