Rafael Nadal praises Carlos Alcaraz ahead of possible Madrid Open clash

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are the best that Spanish tennis has to offer at the moment, considering the present and future.

Rafa and Carlos trained together at the Australian Open in February, and they would meet in the Madrid Open second round if Carlos tops Adrian Mannarino in the opening match! The match would take place on Wednesday, on Carlos' 18th birthday, and it would be one of the matches to watch in Madrid Open R2.

Praising his compatriot, Nadal said that Carlos represents the present and future of Spanish tennis, cheering his abilities and dedication. On the other hand, a teenager would love to meet his idol in front of the home crowd, although he understands how tough it will be to beat Adrian Mannarino in the opening match.

"Alcaraz is a very young player with a great present and even brighter future. He has positive and appropriate values for today's society. He can be a good example, and if he came to play against me, it would be significant for him. All I can do is keep working and compete at my best level since the beginning of the tournament. I hope for a good start," Rafael Nadal said.

"It would mean a lot to me to face Rafa here in Madrid, but I have to beat a great player first. Let's see what happens and if I could win. I've come here to this tournament when I was young for a lot of years. I saw a lot of matches and a lot of players. Now, playing here and training with the best players in the world means a lot. I will enjoy every moment," Carlos Alcaraz said.