Nadal and Alcaraz, the great Spanish duel in Indian Wells

The generational clash has the world of tennis pending, with the final of the Masters 1,000 at stake

MADRID, 18 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –

Spanish tennis will live this Saturday a generational duel between Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for a ticket to the final of the Indian Wells tournament, the first Masters 1,000 of the season, with the Balearic in an undefeated 19-0 this year at stake against a already consecrated promise that even seeks a symbolic relief.

The champion of 21 ‘big’ no one withdraws him, and less after a return this year after undergoing surgery -these days he has confessed some pain in his foot- with three titles, including a historic Australian Open. Nadal continues to perform at his best and win matches from his tennis and an unflappable mind to get through difficult situations.

At 35 years old, the man from Manacor squeezes every day in the office and in Indian Wells he has four victories of great merit, fighting, especially against Opelka and Kyrgios. His streak now comes up against an Alcaraz that is quite different from the one he encountered for the first time last year at the Mutua Madrid Open. The Murcian will be the second Spaniard in the world ranking on Monday and he arrives like an animal.

Comparisons between Nadal and Alcaraz are inevitable, from their physique to their way of being and competing. For the 19-year-old, the Spaniard is his idol and that pressure took its toll on him at the Caja Mágica last year. For Manacor, without a doubt Alcaraz is a guarantee of happiness for Spanish tennis for years.

Juan Carlos Ferrero’s pupil hits with everything and with success on the court, seeks to dominate every point and has the physique of an ultra-motivated and prepared teenager. Against Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz received the ovation even in the points that he lost, because he did not leave a corner of the track without going.

The one from El Palmar took on the British, current champion, in an intractable version, like against Bautista and Monfils, to play his first semifinal of a Masters 1,000. Alcaraz is a serious 12-1 in 2022 and, if his nerves do not fail him, he will be a big problem for Nadal. The three-time Californian desert champion aspires to lay down his law while his apprentice awaits his chance.