"I wanted to play against him" - Alcaraz looked forward to Nadal clash

Carlos Alcaraz had to work hard on his 19th birthday to take down Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7(3) 6-3 and book a spot in the quarterfinal.

It was a solid night for the young man from Spain who got serenaded by the crowd along with a cake for his birthday. The win was the biggest present he could give himself as it ensured that he will face Nadal for the 3rd time in his career. On that, Alcaraz said:

"I lost twice against him and I wanted to play against him the third time. I think it's going to be different from last year [in Madrid] and the last match that we played [in Indian Wells]. I'm excited to play against Rafa here in Madrid in front of the Spanish crowd. It's going to be a great day and a great match."

On the matchup againt Norrie, Alcarza remarked:

"It has been a really tough match, a tough opponent. I knew that I had to play really good. I'm really happy with the performance today and very focussed on the next round."