The pride of Spain 🇪🇸 Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal show support for each other after their semifinal match 🤝 #SixKingsSlam
The fun interview with Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz together: "It wasn't enough against an animal like him."
ATPThursday, 17 October 2024 at 23:54
Carlos Alcaraz easily defeated Rafael Nadal in the second semifinal of the 2024 Six Kings Slam, winning 6-3, 6-3. The Murcian gave his compatriot no chance and will face Jannik Sinner on Saturday in the title match. Meanwhile, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will face one of his longtime rivals, Novak Djokovic, for the last time.
Exceptionally, the organization decided that the post-match interview would be with both players. The interviewer started jokingly by asking Alcaraz if he minded starting with the loser, to which the world No. 2 responded not to call him that, while Rafa said, "Better the older one."
The first question was directed at Nadal about Alcaraz, to which the Spaniard replied: "Carlos has been too good, he's been fantastic these last few years, getting better and better. I tried, I've been out of the circuit for a couple of months, I think it was a good match but it wasn't enough against an animal like him."
The next question was about the worldwide support Nadal receives, due to the effort and joy he brings to people. He thanked the fans, joking that he has to keep playing for a few more years: "I feel the support immensely, I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude. When I’ve been at my lowest, they gave me the energy to push to the next level."
Then came a question about his son. Nadal, smiling, said: "I don’t think he’s that great because since he was born, I’ve lost more than I’ve won." Nonetheless, he said that having his son has helped him greatly through the tough moments he’s had in recent years.
Moving on to Carlitos, the jokes continued, with Alcaraz saying it hadn't been easy for the "older man." With his usual humility, Alcaraz replied: "I had to give my best level, it’s never easy against Rafa, and it was a fun moment playing with him."
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal at 2024 Olympic Games.
The interviewer then turned to Rafa, mentioning that Carlos said he remembers watching Nadal play since he opened his eyes, and asked when Rafa first saw Alcaraz play: "Well, I had heard things, coming from the same country people were telling me there was a strong young guy coming, but the first time I saw him was at the Australian Open 2021, I think, when we trained together. You could already see different things, and now it's clear."
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Finally, the interviewer asked about their upcoming rivals. Rafa will play Novak Djokovic for third place and said he doesn’t know if he will train or rest tomorrow but will try to be ready for the Davis Cup and help the team. He also said Carlitos doesn’t need much advice but will be there if needed, after the interviewer joked that Alcaraz should call him.
As for Alcaraz, he reiterated that Sinner is the best player in the world, that it will be a very difficult match, but he will do everything possible to win and take the trophy home.
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