Picture Credit: Twitter
If "Age is just a number" needed a brand ambassador, Rafael Nadal would be the best-suited athlete. The Spanish tennis star showed it to the world on Sunday that he has a lot left in him as he beat an opponent almost half his age with his sheer skill and grit. Everyone was waiting for the Nadav vs Alcaraz clash or better say the current champion of Spain taking on the future champion of Spain. And when it happened, it was pure bliss for the fans.
In a game that was played for three hours and twelve minutes, the fans saw both players giving their best to cement a place in the finals of the Indian Wells Masters. But it was Alcaraz who had to bid adieu after a grueling battle with his idol. But the way the 18-year-old played; he earned some high praise from the World champion. After the Nadal vs Alcaraz battle at Indian Wells 2022 ended, Rafael Nadal was all praise for the youngster.
He reckoned that Carlos Alcaraz has all the ingredients to be a champion. “I think he has all the shots,” said Nadal after extending his unbeaten record this year to 20-0. “He can play very aggressive. He can play defensive because he's super-fast. He can defend amazing balls. Of course, when he's playing aggressive, it is difficult to stop him because the quality of his ball is very high.
“I think he has all the ingredients to become an amazing champion. I didn't come to the match more nervous because I was playing a youngster. I treated it like I was playing against a top-eight player. In terms of level, that was my feeling," said Nadal for Alcaraz after the game. He then congratulated the young Spaniard for an amazing tournament and wished him best for his future.
Nadal shared a couple of pictures from the game on his social media handle and wrote, "???? one of the things I can say: Congrats @carlitosalcarazz for this great tournament. You are amazing and I wish all the best! Let me add that I am very happy to be again in the final at this amazing place. This crowd is something special," in the caption.