"It's so special" - Alcaraz on first Indian Wells semifinals appearence

Carlos Alcaraz set up his second career meeting with Rafael Nadal with a high-quality and intense 6-4, 6-3 win over Cameron Norrie in the Indian Wells quarter-finals on Thursday night.

Already the youngest BNP Paribas Open men’s quarter-finalist since a 17-year-old Michael Chang in 1989, Alcaraz is now the second-youngest semi-finalist in tournament history behind only Andre Agassi, also 17, in 1988. After the match, he said:

"It’s so special to be able to play my first semi-final in a Masters1000 here in Indian Wells, in Tennis Paradise. I'm enjoying every single second. I have no words to describe my feelings right now."

Alcaraz will play against Nadal for the 2nd time in his career having played in Madrid last year. On that, Alcaraz said:

"I remember that I played really, really nervous. I think this time I trained with him a couple of times, I know more how to play against him. I think now it's going to be a little bit different this match. Obviously he can destroy me again, but I don't know what is going to happen."

He further added:

"It's tough to play against Rafa but at the same time I will enjoy the moment, I will enjoy the match. It's not every day you play against your idol. I'm going to be happy even if I lose that match. but I am focused right now to play my best against Rafa and be able to take my chances."