Competing for the first time since the Olympic Games, Rafael Nadal faced world no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. As was expected, the younger Spaniard scored a 6-3, 6-3 victory in under 80 minutes, arranging the title clash versus world no. 1 Jannik Sinner. Nadal was happy about his level, especially after not competing for nearly two months. However, he admitted his level was insufficient to challenge ‘an animal’ on the other side of the net. The veteran felt positive vibes and will try to keep them until Saturday when he meets Novak Djokovic in a third-place battle. The younger player dictated the pace, attacking and pressuring his grand compatriot. Carlos faced no break points, challenging Rafa to follow those numbers to remain in touch. The 38-year-old struggled behind the second serve and dropped 40% of the points in his games. Nadal played against six break points and suffered three breaks, enough to propel his opponent over the top.
Carlos Alcaraz & Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
Carlos Alcaraz ousted Rafael Nadal in straight sets at the Six Kings Slam exhibition.
The 22-time Major winner dropped the opening two games of the duel at love and raised his level after that, producing a couple of fine holds but failing to extend the battle. Alcaraz started the match with a forehand winner and broke at love. He landed an unreturned serve in the second game for a hold at love, building the advantage in no time. Rafa served much better in the third game, closing it at love with a volley winner and reducing the deficit. The younger Spaniard notched the fourth game with an unreturned serve after a deuce, moving 3-1 ahead. The veteran served well in games five and seven, staying within one break deficit after a powerful serve at 2-4. Still serving well, Carlos caused Rafa’s error in the eighth game for 5-3 and stepped in on the return in the next one. Nadal lost the ground behind the initial shot and faced two set points, erasing them and missing a game point. Alcaraz grabbed the third set point with a forehand down the line winner, moving 6-3 in front and gaining confidence.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream sceenshot
Nothing changed in the second set, with the four-time Major winner providing reliable holds and keeping the pressure on the other side. Carlos held in the first game with a forehand down the line winner and made a push on the return at 2-1. The younger Spaniard painted a behind-the-back volley winner for two break points, clinching the second with a backhand crosscourt winner for a set and a break advantage. Alcaraz cemented the advantage with a service winner in game five and hit an ace two games later for 5-2, moving closer to the top. The legend served to stay in the match in game eight and painted a volley winner at the net, holding and extending his chances. Still, they were gone when Carlos embraced another fine hold at 5-3, sealing the deal with a service winner and enjoying every minute of a battle against his idol.
“I gave my best against Carlos. I have not been on the competitive stage since a couple of months ago, so it was a good performance. It was not good enough to play against an animal like him. However, it was a positive match for me, and I’m happy,” Rafael Nadal said.