Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is back on the tennis court. After missing out on action for a couple of months following his exit from the Brisbane International, Nadal returned with the Netflix Slam where he faced Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard was back to leaving tennis fans in awe of his shot-making as soon as he returned to action.
Nadal saved an insane match point against Alcaraz as they faced each other in the Netflix Slam. It took only three shots, including the serve, for Nadal to leave his opponent in tatters. The 37-year-old started the point with a cross-court serve.
Carlos Alcaraz responded well as the 20-year-old hit a strong forehand. Nadal had to run to his right to return the shot. As the 22-time Grand Slam champion hit a double backhand, Alcaraz came running forward and hit another strong forehand shot.
The ball seemed to go past Nadal, who was quickly covering the court by running to his left. However, the Spaniard exhibited his athleticism to not only reach on time, but also to land a winner with a booming forehand.
Nadal hit the ball with brute force and it went flying past Alcaraz, who could only watch it go by. The crowd erupted in cheers while Nadal celebrated the point with a fist pump.
Rafael Nadal loses but not before making Carlos Alcaraz run for his money
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz got a chance to test their fitness before the much-awaited 2024 Indian Wells. The Spanish pair did enjoy playing against each other, as Nadal and Alcaraz claimed a set each before the match went into a decider.
Nadal won the first set 6-3 and kept Alcaraz on his toes in the second. The 37-year-old brought out some eye-catching shots and fans cheered for Nadal at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Nadal also told interviewer Mary Joe Fernandez he felt “much better than expected” after pocketing the first set against Alcaraz.
Even in the tiebreak, Nadal did not give it away and saved five match points before the 20-year-old Spaniard closed it at 14-12. This warm-up match before his first-round match at the Indian Wells will boost Nadal’s confidence.
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