Rafa Nadal I danced for the last time before Carlos Alcaraz in a generational duel in which the Manacorí almost definitively passes the baton to his successor at the top of Spanish tennis. In Riyadh and as part of the million dollar exhibition of Six Kings SlamNadal and Alcaraz fought in a duel from which Carlos emerged victorious, better prepared by the shot and the current level, against a Rafael who showed his face and was even able to compete sometimes face to face with a double Grand Slam champion in 2024, until fall 6-3, 6-3 in an hour and 20 minutes of maximum nostalgia seeing Rafael Nadal Parera in his penultimate tournament before retirement.
At 38 years old and back for the first time after the Paris Olympic Gamesthe level of Rafa Nadal proved to be limited, although his historical competitive gene caused him to struggle against Carlos Alcarazmuch more fluid, physically exuberant and technically precise. The difference in weapons would tip the balance towards his own weight, but Nadal had the ability to lift the Saudi public on several occasions and even smile, ironically, as if he himself confirmed that he is still ready. .an attack beyond the date of his farewell.
The decision to withdraw is made Nadalat 38 years old and with an absolutely extraordinary career which is coming to an end, first in Saudi Arabia and later in the Davis Cupin a goodbye that could be perfect. Inside Six Kings Slamqualification for the semi-finals led Rafa to a duel with Carlos Alcarazwho started to dominate with an iron fist but had to sweat to close the first set 6-3, on the fast court of Riyadh.
Lack of strength and competitive pace, Nadal He left everything at the start of the second set but could not avoid the break of Alcaraz in the second round. For Carlitos, who also inherited Rafa’s competitive gene, there is no exhibition and his respect for the game was maximum, as he appreciates it. Rafa Nadal even during the last battle between the two. The Manacorí resisted, with everything practically lost, but finally Carlos Alcaraz closed the competition with a clear 6-3, 6-2 before reaching the final with Jannik sinneras Nadal completes Saturday’s generational puzzle in the Six Kings Slam with a final meeting against Novak Djokovic.
