It’s not everyday you play against your idol: Carlos Alcaraz on Rafael Nadal

18-year-old Spaniard will face Nadal who is undefeated this season extending his winning streak to 19.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 18-year-old from Spain upset defending champion Cameron Norrie with a score of 6-4, 6-3 to reach the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters to face Rafael Nadal. With this win, Alcaraz becomes the youngest player to advance to the last four of the BNP Paribas since Andre Agassi in 1988.

Alcaraz on facing Nadal said, “It’s not every day you play against your idol,” reported tennis writer Jose Morgado. The Spaniard further said that even the loss will make him happy against Nadal, but he will try to play his best tennis and have chances.

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On the other hand, the 21-times Grand Slam champion stays undefeated this season extending his winning streak to 19 by outlasting Australia’s Nick Kyrgios 7-6(0) 5-7 6-4. The 35-year-old-year-old praised his younger semifinal opponent from his country and said, “He is a rival in the present and it’s amazing to have another star from my country, cause we love tennis,” reported Jose Morgado. The Spanish professional also said that Carlos Alcaraz reminds him (Nadal) of what he was at this age.

Nadal and Alcaraz will be clashing each other for a space in the final tomorrow, Saturday, March 19 at 11:30 pm IST.