MADRID. Real Nadal. The Spanish champion is notoriously a great fan of Real Madrid – indeed, there is someone willing to bet that after tennis he could become its president … – and admitted that yesterday he was inspired by the Champions League feat of the merengues against Manchester City by Pep Guardiola to get out of a situation that had suddenly become complicated against David Goffin, in the quarters of the Masters 1000 in the capital.
Nadal, not in top form even though the pain in his foot seems to have disappeared, had to save four matchpoints and stay on the pitch for three hours to win 6-3 5-7 7-6 over the former Belgian top ten. «Wednesday night was unforgettable – he explained – the team spirit of Real is incredible, it inspired me both for the match with Goffin and for my entire career. It was a very difficult match, I think I played at a very high level, but at the same time I’m not completely satisfied because I think I should have finished the game in two sets. I will need it to improve physically, but I gain confidence for the matchpoints I have saved. I need meetings like this and days like this to recover the best form as soon as possible ».
The occasion returns already this afternoon: soon Rafa will return to the field for the semifinal, a Spanish derby with the prodigious Calos Alcaraz, 19 years old – yesterday – against the almost 36 of the Patriarch of Mallorca, who today is probably the best that can be seen on clay, and beyond.
Nadal is number 3 in the world (but 1 in the Race), Carlitos the 7 having just overtaken Matteo Berrettini, and the youngest ever to arrive in the quarters in Madrid. Both have won three tournaments this year, with Rafa also earning his first Grand Slam of the season at the Australian Open. For him 22 wins and 1 defeat in 2022, against Alcaraz’s 24 wins and 3 defeats. Rafa has never lost against a teenager on clay, and against him with his compatriots he has an impressive balance: 131 wins, 21 defeats. Two successes on Alcaraz: one year ago in Madrid and a few weeks ago in Indian Wells. «Rafa is the best on earth – admits Carlos – Even though he says that the favorite is me and he who has won here five times. I’m happy that people are cheering for me, but today almost all of them will be for him, I hope someone will support me too but I’m ready to cheer them on ». In the other semifinal Novak Djokovic is on the pitch against Hubert Hurkacz.