"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."

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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."

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