Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts It’s your girl Mia Johnson-Carter here, living the dream in Miami. I’m super excited to share some amazing news from the tennis world. Recently, Carlos Alcaraz, the young and talented Spaniard, took on his childhood idol Rafael Nadal in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. The match was highly anticipated, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed the encounter against his great compatriot and idol, admitting that almost everyone in the stadium wanted Rafa to win. The four-time Major winner acknowledged Nadal’s tennis legacy and the fact he brought so many people into tennis, hoping to do the same during his career. This match was more than just a game; it was a tribute to one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Rafael Nadal, who has been dealing with a series of injuries over the last couple of years, including an abdominal muscle injury at Wimbledon and a severe left hip injury at the Australian Open, faced significant challenges. Despite these setbacks, he continued to play with his characteristic determination and skill. However, Alcaraz was relentless, attacking and sailing through his service games without facing a single break point. Nadal struggled behind his second serve, losing 40% of the points and facing six break points throughout the match.
The 21-year-old Alcaraz made a flying start, landing a forehand winner in the first game and securing a break at love for an early advantage. He closed the second game at love with an unreturned serve, taking the opening eight points and making a strong beginning. Nadal recovered his game in the third game, landing a volley winner and holding at love to get his name on the scoreboard. They reached a deuce on Carlos’ serve in the fourth game, and the young gun brought it home with a service winner to forge a 3-1 advantage.
Nadal grabbed the fifth game with a volley winner, and Alcaraz responded with a forced error in the next one, building a 4-2 lead. The 38-year-old closed the seventh game with a service winner, remaining within one break deficit. However, Alcaraz provided another fine hold in game eight with a forced error, moving 5-3 up and forcing his opponent to serve to stay in the set.
After three fine holds, Nadal struggled in game nine, saving two break points but missing a game point. Carlos generated the third break point and seized it with a forehand down the line winner, wrapping up the opener 6-3 and gaining momentum. In the second set, Nadal faced issues on serve at 1-2, facing two break points after Alcaraz’ behind-the-back volley winner. The 21-year-old converted the second with a backhand crosscourt winner, building a set and a break advantage. Alcaraz cemented it with a hold at love in game five after a booming serve, marching toward the finish line.
The veteran stopped the clock in the sixth game, cracking a couple of beautiful winners and reducing the gap to 4-2. Untroubled behind the initial shot, Carlos fired an ace in the seventh game for a 5-2 lead, keeping the pressure on the other side. Nadal served to stay in the match in game eight and extended the battle with a volley winner, having one last chance on the return to prolong the clash. However, Alcaraz provided another fine hold in the ninth game, moving over the top with a service winner and toppling his childhood idol.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Alcaraz as he moved into the title clash against Jannik Sinner. It’s clear that this young player is making waves in the tennis world, and we can’t wait to see what he does next!
If you want, you can check out the news where I found it here.
Yours truly,
Mia