Netflix Slam: Fanboy Carlos Alcaraz opens up about the “privilege” of being around his idol Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is 2-1 up against Carlos Alcaraz in head-to-head matches.

Netflix Slam: Fanboy Carlos Alcaraz opens up about the “privilege” of being around his idol Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal are set to face each other today at the Michelob Ultra Arena in the Netflix Slam, which is essentially an exhibition match. The two Spaniards took time from their schedule to travel to Los Angeles for the much-anticipated match, days ahead of the Indian Wells. They were, in fact, at the Indian Wells tennis garden, practicing for the upcoming ATP 1000 event before departing for the Netflix Slam. 

Ahead of the match, youngster Carlos Alcaraz said that he is looking forward to facing the 22-time Grand Slam winner. He said that they have had two great matches before and that it is better to not take into account their first-ever encounter because he had lost that match horribly in straight sets (6-1, 6-2). 

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It's always nice. We've faced each other three times. There have been two good battles and the first one is better not to remember. It's a good preparation for Indian Wells to see what we have to improve, where our level is and continue to learn from him as it's a privilege to have him around.
Alcaraz said. (H/T: Marca)

Nadal is 2-1 up against Alcaraz in head-to-head matches and he is in fact the favorite to win their upcoming match as well. Although Carlos Alcaraz is the World No. 2 right now, he recently suffered a grade 2 ankle injury in the Rio Open and that gives a major advantage to the veteran in this match. 

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Carlos Alcaraz says he loves to spend time with Rafa 

The youngster said that although they have not met a lot of times in the circuit; he has followed Nadal a lot on TV and especially, being a Spaniard, he has grown up watching him. The World No. 2 added that he is loving the opportunity to spend time with Nadal and would have ideally loved to spend some more time with him. 

Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Andre Agassi
L-R: Carlos Alcaraz, Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal (Source: Instagram/@rafaelnadal)

Alcaraz added:

We haven't seen much on the circuit, but I've seen it a lot on TV. I've grown up watching him play. And any personal experience with him has been incredible. I would have loved to spend more time with Rafa. I try to enjoy every day I meet him and cross paths with him, and learn as much as possible. 

Following the Netflix Slam, both the players will shift their focus to the Indian Wells. Carlos Alcaraz, who is the defending champion, will face tough competition this time from the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and others. 

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