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Nadal hails ‘amazing’ Alcaraz after exhibition defeat

By Reuters
March 05, 2024
Spains Rafael Nadal hits a return against Britain´s Jack Draper during their men´s singles match on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2023. — AFP
Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a return against Britain´s Jack Draper during their men´s singles match on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2023. — AFP

LAS VEGAS: Rafa Nadal said one good thing about nearing the end of his career is that he will not have to face Carlos Alcaraz too many times after the 37-year-old Spaniard lost to his compatriot in an exhibition match in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, added that the future of Spanish tennis was in good hands with the 20-year-old. Alcaraz has already won majors at the U.S. Open and Wimbledon and is ranked number two in the world behind Novak Djokovic. “It’s a good thing that as a player I will not face him many times,” said Nadal, who expects to retire in 2024 after a series of injuries limited his appearances on the circuit.