Alcaraz races past Nadal to join Sinner in final of Six Kings Slam

World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz has defeated Rafael Nadal in an all-Spanish semi-final at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh on Thursday, easily seeing off the 22-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 6-3 for a spot in the final.

Nadal played some good tennis at times, but the 38-year-old was ultimately unable to hang with his compatriot across the course of the match in his second-to-last professional tennis tournament.

The second semi-final began ominously, with Alcaraz breaking Nadal to love, winning the first eight points to go up 2-0 in the blink of an eye. Nadal clawed his way into the match as the pair exchanged service holds, but when he was forced to serve to stay in the match at 5-3 down, the Spaniard again faltered, handing over a one-set lead to Alcaraz.

It took a few more games for Alcaraz to gain a break in the second set, with his first chances coming in the fourth game. The 21-year-old pounced, grabbing a 3-1 lead which he would quickly turn into a 5-3 lead. Serving for the set, Alcaraz withstood some brilliant tennis from Nadal in a last-gasp attempt to extend the match, closing it out 6-3.

“Trust me I had to play at my best level,” said Alcaraz after the match. “Obviously Rafa has been out of competition. In tennis you have to have matches on the court to feel good.

“I knew I had to be focused. Try to play my best tennis if I want to best Rafa. It’s always tough. It’s been a good moment and a good time sharing the court with him once again.”

Alcaraz will now face Jannik Sinner in the grand final of the Six Kings Slam on Saturday. The pair have already met three times in 2024, with Alcaraz winning all three meetings.

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