2024-03-04 13:13:49
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal says one of the good things about the end of his career is that he won’t have to face compatriot Carlos Alcaraz too many times after the 37-year-old lost a Netlix Slam showdown between the pair in Las Vegas, USA with 6:3, 4:6, 12:14.
Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles, added that the future of Spanish tennis is in good hands in his 20-year-old compatriot. Alcaraz has also already won Slam titles at the US Open and Wimbledon, and is currently ranked second in the world ranking behind Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.
“It’s good that as a player I won’t play against him many times,” said Rafael Nadal, who is expected to retire from professional tennis this year in 2024 after a series of injuries have limited his appearances.
“As a fan I will enjoy his matches, hopefully for many years. In Spain we should be very happy to have someone like Carlos coming. He is an outstanding tennis player. He is only 20 years old but he has already won two Grand Slam titles and several other important competitions,” added Nadal, who spent almost a year off the court.
He assured that he felt “much better than expected” during the exhibition match. Both Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will play at the upcoming Indian Wells Masters.
Nadal also commented that he hopes to avoid further difficulties at the tournament and be healthy for the upcoming clay court season.
“The priority now is to stay healthy after Indian Wells. Whatever needs to remain will remain for the clay season, which may or may not be the last. I haven’t decided 100 percent,” revealed the Spanish tennis player.
“I’m not saying goodbye because when I say it, I won’t play anymore. It’s an important moment and I don’t want to say it because I’m not 100 percent decided. Life shows us the way,” continued Rafael Nadal.