“I’m gonna go full power,” Carlos Alcaraz declares ahead of semifinal clash against Rafael Nadal at Six Kings Slam

Carlos Alcaraz will be up against Rafael Nadal for the fourth time in his career, with a place in the Six Kings Slam final on the line.

“I’m gonna go full power,” Carlos Alcaraz declares ahead of semifinal clash against Rafael Nadal at Six Kings Slam

Rafael Nadal (L) and Carlos Alcaraz are set to take part in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh (via Daily Express, CNN)

The clash of two Spaniards is on the cards in the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam on Thursday (October 17). Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have faced each other three times on the tour, with the latter leading 2-1 in the head-to-head battle. Although they are clashing at an exhibition event, it is expected to be a thrilling contest, with Alcaraz intending to “go full power.”

After his win over Holger Rune in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz was asked about his approach to the game against Nadal. The youngster said he would go full power against his compatriot. He said that he is also expecting Nadal to go full throttle against him.

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I’m gonna go full. Full Power. I’m not surprised that he’s playing at 100% in practice. Hitting the ball super hard and feeling it really well. The player he is, the legend he is, it doesn’t matter that he stayed away from tennis 3 or 4 months. He’s gonna be back as strong as ever before. I’ll try to play good tennis if I want to beat him. I’m gonna go full, without fear.

Carlos Alcaraz said in his post-match interview

Alcaraz and Nadal have not faced each other since 2022. The last time they met, in the Madrid Masters quarterfinals, Alcaraz won the match in three sets. Since then, he has won four Grand Slam titles, become the World No. 1, and clinched an Olympic silver medal. It would be interesting to see how the final faceoff between Nadal and Alcaraz turns out.

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Mixed feelings for Carlos Alcaraz as he faces Rafael Nadal for one last time

Although Carlos Alcaraz has declared that he will be going full power against Rafael Nadal, he is also emotional ahead of a clash with his idol for the last time on the tennis court. With Nadal set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals, Alcaraz will not face the veteran after this match in Riyadh.

Carlos Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

They will, however, most probably pair up for the doubles matches in Malaga, just like they did in Paris. Alcaraz confessed that he picked up the racket because of Nadal and now facing him for one last time would be difficult. However, he said that he was looking forward to the clash.

A really important person for my life, for my career and he was one of the reasons that I wanted to become a professional tennis player. Knowing he is going to retire is pretty tough for everyone, for me. I will try to enjoy sharing the court with him once again, but I think it is really difficult for everyone.

Carlos Alcaraz (H/T: Sky Sports)

Alcaraz and Nadal will be up against each other in the second semifinal of the exhibition event in Riyadh. Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are set to fight it out in the first semifinal.