Nadal On Alcaraz: ‘All The Ingredients To Be Amazing Champion’

Rafael Nadal knows what it takes to become an all-time great. So when he touts someone for success, it’s best to sit up and take notice.

The legendary Spaniard weathered tricky conditions to edge his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a semi-final thriller at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Saturday. It was nonetheless another stunning showing from 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion Alcaraz, whose performances continue to belie his tender age.

At his post-match press conference, Nadal highlighted the versatility of the 18-year-old’s game as something that particularly stands out.

“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.”

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Nadal sees elements of his own experiences in the way Alcaraz is handling his rapid rise. He has faith that the young Spaniard will stay on course for greatness.

“When you are young, when you are living new experiences for the first time, everything is new,” said Nadal. “You are playing in stadiums, against opponents, in tournaments that just one or two years ago you were watching on TV.

“I think you're excited. You have the passion. You have nothing to lose…he's at the beginning of this process.

“It looks like he's humble enough to work hard and to understand that we, the tennis players, if we want to be great champions, the only way is to keep improving during all our careers. That's what I tried. I really believe that he's doing that.

“I don't have many doubts that he will be great. He is already, by the way!”

Such is Alcaraz’s level that his opponent deployed a change of strategy to give himself the best possible chance against the World No. 19. Nadal’s volleying prowess is perhaps often overlooked, but he came forward regularly on Saturday night to try and counter the Alcaraz game, winning 54 per cent (20/37) points at the net according to Infosys ATP Stats. Despite the tactic not always working out, the Spaniard was pleased with how it served him at the most crucial moments.

“Today I did easy volleys, bad volleys, and very difficult volleys, great volleys,” said Nadal. “Especially at the end I saved some amazing balls with the volley. I played aggressive. [I was] determined to do what I needed to do to win the match.

“I like to come into the net. The last couple of years I am doing [it] more and more. I even do serve-and-volley more often than I used to…I feel comfortable there. It's something that I need to do. As part of my game at this stage of my career, I need to do things to play more aggressive. Going to the net helps my game in general.”

Nadal now hunts a record-equalling 37th ATP Masters 1000 title (levelling with Novak Djokovic) in Sunday’s final against home favourite Taylor Fritz. The Spaniard took their only previous meeting in the final of the 2020 Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC in Acapulco in straight sets, but has been impressed with the 20th seed’s progress in Indian Wells.

“We are different players. I don't think [the Acapulco match] is important. I am ready to face a very tough opponent, playing with amazing confidence. Since the beginning of the season, he's playing a great level of tennis, so it is going to be a tough one.”

Despite the heavy schedule his success in 2022 has brought him, Nadal is ready for another big push in Sunday’s championship match. “Physically I feel well,” he said. “I played almost three hours the other day, three hours today. In terms of physical performance, I don't feel very tired.

“With the conditions, I always felt good physically here. I think I never lost a match here for a physical issue, in terms of being tired. I am quite well, honestly. I can't complain. I am enjoying it. I had plenty of tough battles this week, but I am still alive.”