ATP Masters Madrid: You wish, we play - Alcaraz demands Nadal
In the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid today (from 4 p.m. live on Sky and in our live ticker) there will be the long-awaited meeting between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz . The starting position is open.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
May 06, 2022, 06:59 am
Of course: You always like to take a win on ashes against Rafael Nadal with you. Especially in Madrid. But David Goffin's performance on Thursday afternoon in the Caja Magica was a very serious sign that the Belgian is to be reckoned with again. And that's good. Because Goffin's game still gives a lot. Precisely because the now 31-year-old is not a man of thunderbolts. But someone with incredibly good anticipation, great footwork and the ability to take the ball extremely early.
skymadrid2022
Something like that always works well against Nadal's spin balls, especially with the two-handed backhand. Carlos Alcaraz also has this in his repertoire, but the Spaniard, who has just turned 19, chooses a slightly different approach than Goffin, acting from a little further back. On the other hand, Alcaraz can rely on more power in his shots, which will also be urgently needed in today's quarter-final meeting against Nadal.
Alcaraz and Nadal with three titles in 2022
Right after the draw, this was the match that not only the Spaniards were looking forward to. But the whole tennis world. And now Carlos Alcaraz can try Grandmaster Nadal for the third time. At the premiere last year in the Caja Magica, the teenager had to pay tribute to his high spirits, Nadal won smoothly. In Indian Wells this year, Alcaraz was closer, but Nadal was already struggling with a rib problem.
Nadal and Alcaraz have already won three titles this year, in the Race to Turin, the annual ranking, they take first and third place, after the experiences of the last few years the points of Alcaraz (with reaching the quarterfinals in Madrid he is at already 2,640) are already enough to qualify for the ATP finals. After his success at the Australian Open, Nadal is set for Turin, and his start will depend more on whether he still feels fit for top tennis at the beginning of November.
Against David Goffin, Nadal seemed almost at the peak of his creative power again in terms of athletics, but there were a few blemishes in terms of play. Which also applies to the same extent to the appearance of Carlos Alcaraz against Cameron Norrie. Alcaraz never gave the impression that he could lose the match. The 6: 4, 6: 7 (4) and 6: 3 was not exactly easy for him. Which makes a forecast for today's match (from 4 p.m. live on Sky and in our live ticker) so difficult. So: just sit back and enjoy.
Here is the individual tableau in Madrid
madrid map