“I think he’s unstoppable in terms of his career” Nadal says next opponent Alcaraz has all the ingredients

After winning their quarter-finals at Indian Wells on Thursday. countrymen Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz get ready to face off in the semi-finals on Saturday

Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) celebrates after beating Cameron Norrie (GBR) at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Image Credit: AI / Reuters / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

March 18, 2022

ATP Indian Wells Masters 1000 | Results | Schedule

The 21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will take on his 18-year-old compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, the player who many, including Nadal himself, believe will take his place one of the sport’s biggest stars in the future, in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday.

Nadal, who came through a tough three-set quarter-final win over Nick Kyrgios on Thursday, believes that the youngster has all the ingredients to become a great champion in the sport.

“I think he’s unstoppable in terms of his career. He has all the ingredients. He has the passion. He’s humble enough to work hard. He’s a good guy. He (reminds) me a lot of things than when I was 17 or 18-year-old kid. I think he has the passion. He has the talent and the physical component and that’s great. And I am super happy, even, of course he’s going to be a great rival for now and for the next couple of months, without a doubt,” the Spaniard said after his quarter-final win over Nick Kyrgios on Thursday.

Second Nadal – Alcaraz in history

Nadal, who has now won 19 matches in a row to remain unbeaten in 2022, said he was happy that a player from his country has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the sport.

“Thinking and being selfish, it’s great, honestly, to have such a star from my country, because we, for the tennis lovers, we’re going to keep enjoy an amazing player fighting for the most important titles for the next many years, a lot of years. That’s my feeling, from my point of view. That’s fantastic for the tennis lovers and he’s a countryman and he’s a great guy. “

Saturday’s clash between the two Spaniards will be the second between the two players. Nadal defeated Alcaraz in their only previous meeting in Madrid last year and added that he wished only the best for his compatriot.

“I wish him all the very best. Probably not after tomorrow he plays against me, but in general (laughing).”

Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, CA; Image Credit: AI / Reuters / Panoramic

“It’s a very special experience for me”: Alcaraz on playing Nadal

Alcaraz himself said he is looking forward to playing his compatriot, who holds the record for most Grand Slam singles titles in the history of the sport currently, adding it will be a special experience for him in his first ATP Masters semi-final.

“It’s amazing to play against Rafa. He’s my idol since I’m a kid, so it’s never easy to play against him, but I think it’s going to be a great match. I think it’s a great experience for me to meet him in Masters 1000, semifinal, here at Indian Wells. I’m going to have fun out there and enjoy every single second in the match. It’s a very special experience for me.”