Self-confessed Carlos Alcaraz fan Rafael Nadal shares kind words about Wimbledon winner after Netflix Slam

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal at The Netlfix Slam

Rafael Nadal waxed lyrical about Carlos Alcaraz after the two-time Grand Slam winner walked away with the honours at Netflix’s inaugural live sports event, The Netflix Slam, in Las Vegas.

The exhibition event in Las Vegas was a treat as several celebrities – including Hollywood A-listers Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas and Charlize Theron, and sporting stars Pau Gasol, Colin Kaepernick and Lindsey Vonn – attended the streaming giant’s first foray into live sports broadcasting at the MGM Resorts International.

The unwritten rule of exhibition matches states it must always go to the distance to give fans value for money and that is what happened in Las Vegas between the Spanish giants. In the end, it was reigning world No 2 Alcaraz who emerged victorious via the super tiebreaker as he 3-6, 6-4, [14-12].

The match was very much played at training pace as it was Nadal’s first semi-competitive clash since he picked up an injury at the Brisbane International in January.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, had struggled with an injury himself in the build-up to the clash after he rolled his ankle during the Rio Open a fortnight ago and was forced to pull out of his first-round match.

But there was always going to be a feel-good factor on the night and Nadal had nothing but praise for 20-year-old rising star Alcaraz after the event.

“It’s a good thing that as a player I will not face him many times,” the former world No 1 joked. “As a fan, I will enjoy watching him for many years hopefully!

“He’s a big challenge. It’s completely different generations. In Spain, we should be very, very happy about having someone like Carlos coming.

“He’s an amazing player. He’s only 20 years old and he’s already won two Slams and a couple of important tournaments.”

Alcaraz, who idolises Nadal, hailed the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s fighting spirit.

“It has been incredible,” he said. “Playing against Rafa is really special for me.”

He added: “Fighting spirit that he never gives up on any ball. He runs around every corner of the court.

“I had a few match points before I got it. He made an unbelievable shot. He never gives up.

“That’s something that I try to keep for my game, that mentality that he has, finding a solution when things are not going well every time.”