Carlos Alcaraz: “It’s special to play against Rafa, I’ve grown up watching him play”
LAS VEGAS (UNITED STATES), March 3 (from the special envoy of EUROPA PRESS, Raquel Laguna) –
The Spanish tennis players Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will meet this Sunday (9:30 p.m. Spanish time) in ‘The Netflix Slam’, an exceptional exhibition match at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas that will mark their fourth face-to-face match.
Facing a sports legend like Rafa Nadal again is a privilege for Alcaraz. “It is always nice. For me it is special to play with Rafa again, to measure myself against him. Obviously, it is a good preparation for Indian Wells, to see what we have to improve where our level is and to continue learning from him, since it is a privilege to have him close,” said the man from Murcia during a press conference before several media outlets, including Europa Press.
As for what he has learned from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Carlitos regretted not having met him much on the circuit. “But I have seen him a lot on TV. I have grown up watching him play. And any personal experience with him has been incredible. I would have loved to share more time with Rafa. I try to enjoy every day that I meet him and cross paths with him, and learn to the maximum,” he said.
For his part, the Spaniard pointed out that the one from El Palmar “is fresh air for tennis and he is a special player.” “Carlos has a youth that gives you many things. He has an energy, a passion and a self-confidence that helps you face important moments with little fear. For his age, he is one of the most complete players I have seen. He has all the records , in addition to a marvelous physique. He is where he deserves and he works for it,” said the man from Manacor.
NADAL’S POSSIBLE RETIREMENT
Alcaraz sprained his ankle 12 days ago in his debut at the Rio de Janeiro tournament, but the sprain has not prevented him from being in Las Vegas. “The ankle is doing very well. The time has been short. I have worked every day since I had it done to arrive prepared for the Netflix game. The sensations have been improving and I feel good,” explained the athlete.
As for Nadal, he has not played a set since Brisbane and there is speculation that this could be his last season. “I have had better and worse moments. The most important thing for me is that I am here. This is the reality. If I am here it is already good news. Two weeks ago, beyond the results, the objective was to play the Las Vegas match. “Vegas and Indian Wells and I’m closer to achieving it. I don’t know what level I’ll be at in Indian Wells, but it’s the least important thing today,” he said.
Despite the physical setbacks, the Mallorcan does not want to talk about goodbyes. “I am not saying goodbye because then I would say that I am not playing anymore. I would like to say goodbye well, being competitive and enjoying myself on the court. Whether that can be or not, time will tell,” reflected the former world number one.
In a few days, he will return to the Indian Wells tournament, the first ATP Masters 1,000 of the season, and you have your sights set on the Monte Carlo Masters. “At the moment, I am considering playing in Indian Wells. I would love to play in Monte Carlo. At this point in my career, I have to analyze how I am at every moment, the feelings I have and where I most want to play. I want to do the things that I really want to do. I want to be happy,” he concluded.
2024-03-03 09:30:33
#goodbye #competitive #enjoying #track
