Carlos Alcaraz may have made his win over Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam look straightforward, but the rising star was quick to emphasize just how challenging the match was, stating that he had to be at his absolute best to come out on top. On Thursday, the 21-year-old Spaniard, who currently holds the world No. 2 ranking, defeated Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, 6-3, 6-3 in Riyadh to secure his place in the final of this high-profile exhibition event.
Despite the seemingly comfortable scoreline, Alcaraz was well aware of the threat Nadal posed, even though the 38-year-old tennis icon has been out of regular competition for some time due to injuries and his recent announcement that he will retire from professional tennis next month. Alcaraz’s respect for Nadal was evident in his post-match comments, where he made it clear that facing a legend like Nadal always demands focus and top-level play.
“Trust me, I had to play at my best level,” Alcaraz said after the match. “Obviously, Rafa has been out of competition for a while, and in tennis, you need matches on the court to feel good. I knew I had to be focused and try to play my best tennis if I wanted to beat Rafa. It’s always tough facing him. It’s been a good moment and a great time sharing the court with him once again.”
The victory was an impressive display of Alcaraz’s form, as he controlled the match from start to finish. In the first set, Alcaraz broke Nadal’s serve twice—once in the opening game and again in the ninth—to claim the set 6-3. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Alcaraz breaking Nadal early in the fourth game to go up 3-1. From there, he held his serve comfortably and wrapped up the match in just under 90 minutes.
This clash in Riyadh was notable not only because it featured two of Spain’s most celebrated tennis stars, but also because it marked one of Nadal’s final matches before his impending retirement. Nadal, who has won nearly everything there is to win in tennis, announced last week that he would retire from professional tennis after next month’s ATP Finals. His career, defined by unparalleled dominance on clay courts and a relentless fighting spirit, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Even though he is now nearing the end of his time in tennis, Nadal’s presence on court still demands the utmost respect, something Alcaraz demonstrated with both his performance and his words.
Alcaraz’s win over Nadal was not only a testament to his burgeoning talent but also highlighted his position as one of the sport’s future superstars. With his electric playing style and ability to rise to the occasion in big matches, the young Spaniard has been steadily climbing the ranks, already capturing four Grand Slam titles and challenging for the top spot in the ATP rankings. His victory over Nadal in Riyadh only adds to his growing legacy.
But the tournament isn’t over yet for Alcaraz. His next challenge will come in the final of the Six Kings Slam, where he will face Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and the man who has been dominating tennis in 2024. Sinner has had a sensational year, winning two Grand Slam titles and establishing himself as one of the most consistent players on the tour. Alcaraz and Sinner have already developed one of the most exciting rivalries in tennis, with Alcaraz holding a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters, leading 6-4.
Speaking about his upcoming showdown with Sinner, Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, calling the Italian “the best player in the world right now.”
“Well, he’s the best player in the world right now, at least for me,” Alcaraz said. “Playing him is a really big challenge. Seeing the year he’s having, it’s amazing. Not many losses. It’s going to be a tough challenge for me. I’ve played really good battles against him—tough ones. I expect a really difficult and good match. I think the people will enjoy it. I’ll try my best to beat him and win the tournament, but let’s see on Saturday. It’s not going to be easy.”
Tennis fans in Riyadh and around the world will be eagerly anticipating this marquee matchup between two of the sport’s brightest young stars. The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner has already produced some unforgettable matches, and their meeting in the final of the Six Kings Slam promises to be another thrilling chapter in their growing competition.
For Alcaraz, the match against Sinner is not just an opportunity to win another prestigious title—it’s a chance to further solidify his status as one of the top players in the world and a legitimate contender for the sport’s biggest honors. Whether he can overcome the challenge of Sinner remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of tennis is in very good hands with players like Alcaraz and Sinner leading the way.
As for Nadal, his journey may be nearing its end, but his legacy is already secured. Alcaraz’s comments reflect the deep admiration that the younger generation of players has for Nadal, who has inspired countless athletes with his incredible work ethic, humility, and unparalleled success. Even in defeat, Nadal continues to leave his mark on the sport, both on and off the court.