Rafael Nadal called Carlos Alcaraz “an amazing player.”

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz faced off on the court Friday night in Las Vegas for their Netflix exhibition match, with the former declaring victory over his idol.

In front of a sold-out crowd in Las Vegas, Alcaraz emerged victorious 3-6 6-4 14-12, and Nadal quipped that he didn’t want to play his countryman much more.

Nadal remarked, “It’s a good thing that I won’t face him many times as a player.” “As a fan, I hope to enjoy seeing him for a long time!”

It was Nadal’s first match since he suffered a “micro tear” at the Brisbane International in January, which caused him to retire from the Australian Open.
Alcaraz has also been plagued by injuries lately; two weeks ago, he hurt his ankle during the Rio Open’s first round.

The Wimbledon champion, though, seems to be on the mend and talked about what a unique opportunity it was to play Nadal. “It has been amazing. For me, playing against Rafa is truly unique.

After Alcaraz defeated him in the exhibition bout, the 37-year-old congratulated him, saying, “He’s a big challenge.” Totally distinct generations are involved. We should be ecstatic to have someone like Carlos visit Spain.Because of his fighting mentality, Nadal never gives up on a ball. “He sprints all over the court,” Alcaraz remarked. “It took me a few match points to get it. He hit an incredible shot. He never gives up.

“I strive to maintain that mindset in my game, which is his ability to find a solution when things don’t go as planned.”

Now, both Alcaraz and Nadal—the former the reigning champion for the Masters 1000 tournament that gets underway on Wednesday, March 6—will get ready for Indian Wells.

Within the standard deviation…

Last night’s exhibition match featured some of the best hits from both Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, and it was highly entertaining and inventive. It was wonderful to see Nadal appear pain-free, and it is evident how much the 22-time Grand Slam winner respects and believes in Alcaraz. With the Mallorcan’s opening encounter on Thursday, it is hoped that Rafael Nadal can maintain his fitness for what would be his first competitive tournament in two months.