Carlos Alcaraz maybe didn’t have any issues handling Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam but afterward insisted that he had to play his absolute best to end on the winning side.
On Thursday, the current world No. 2 ousted the 22-time Grand Slam champion 6-3 6-3 in Riyadh to reach the final at this week’s star-studded exhibition in Riyadh.
In the first set, this year’s French Open and Wimbledon champion earned breaks in the first and ninth games. Up by a set, Alcaraz broke Nadal in the fourth game of the second set to go 3-1 up and then just held on to his serve for the rest of the set to complete a two-set win.
This match came just a week after the 38-year-old announced he would be retiring from pro tennis next month.
“No. trust me I had to play at my best level. Obviously Rafa has been out of competition. In tennis you have to have matches on the court to feel good. I knew I had to be focused. Try to play my best tennis if I want to best Rafa. It’s always tough. It’s been a good moment and a good time sharing the court with him once again,” the 21-year-old insisted.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz© Six Kings Slam/Instagram – Fair Use
Alcaraz on facing Jannik Sinner next
On Saturday, Saudi Arabian tennis fans will be up for a major treat when the four-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 1 Sinner met in the final of the inaugural Six Kings Slam.
Heading into the clash, the Spaniard owns a 6-4 head-to-head against the Italian. But he highlights that he expects to have a very difficult job in the final in Riyadh.
“Well he’s the best player in the world right now. At least for me. Playing him is a really big challenge. Seeing the year he’s having, it’s amazing. Not many losses. It’s gonna be a tough challenge for me. I’ve played really good battles, tough ones. I expect a really difficult and good match. I think the people will enjoy it. I’ll try my best to beat him and win the tournament. Let’s see on Saturday. It’s not gonna be easy,” Alcaraz said.
