Carlos Alcaraz played a superb match to take down Rafael Nadal 6-2 1-6 6-3 in Madrid setting up a semifinal clash against Djokovic.
What a match we saw in Madrid between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. It was a superb affair and it was that from the start. Alcaraz opened up well being very inspired and taking the ball rather early in rally. The Spaniard was very motivated to win this match and it was evident after an early break. Alcaraz kept applying pressure and he added another one to finish off the first set with 6-2.
The set was a weird one for many reasons. Alcaraz tumbled early in the set hurting his ankle and it did not look good. He took an MTO immediately and the ankle was heavily bandaged with Alcaraz looked in pain and discomfort for a while. Play resumed after 10 minutes and Nadal was able to take a break off Alcaraz who looked quite uncomfortable.
Play then got suspended for a 2nd time due to a medical emergency in the stands with players resuming play about 10 minutes after that. Alcaraz still looked uncomfortable and Nadal was able to storm to a 6-1 finish in the 2nd set. Alcaraz took another MTO off the court and upon return, he looked pretty good. Nadal struggled with his timing and simply not looking as sharp as before.
Fatigue might have played a factor in it but Alcaraz was playing superb tennis and an early break simply propelled him even further. He held his nerve and serve to close ou the match with 6-3. A superb win for Alcaraz over Nadal. His 1st over his idol.
One day after celebrating his 19th birthday, Carlos Alcaraz beats his idol Rafael Nadal for the first time, in the biggest tennis stadium of their country, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 to reach the SFs in Madrid. Alcaraz now 26-3 in 2022, won his last 8 matches and 14 of his last 15.
