The Mutua Madrid Open has the stage set for an all-Spanish quarterfinal between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Both players being in form, the match is one of the most anticipated clashes of the quarterfinals.

The two also met at last year’s Madrid Open with Nadal winning in straight sets. Furthermore, Nadal also cruised passed his fellow countryman two months ago in Indian Wells. Ready to play their third match, would it be right to call it the birth of a new rivalry? Nadal doesn’t think so.

Nadal denies the birth of a new all-Spanish rivalry between him and Alcaraz

2022 has undoubtedly been the year of the Spaniards so far. Since the start of the season, both players have been in a devastating form, crushing their opponents like no other. Both men have won three titles each this year, and are eyeing their fourth in Madrid. However, who will get a step closer to winning their 4th title will be decided by the quarterfinal clash between them.

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Yesterday, Rafael Nadal surpassed the threat of David Goffin by inches. In an anyone’s game, Nadal saved four match points to outplay Belgium’s Goffin in three sets. During the post-match press conference, Nadal elaborated on what went wrong during the match and how he kept himself in that zone and went on to win. However, during the conversation, another question that took the light was related to Nadal’s quarterfinal clash with Alcaraz.

‘The Spirit That the Real Madrid Team Have Is Just Incredible’ – Rafael Nadal Reveals His Inspiration Behind the Victory Over David Goffin at the Madrid Open 2022

During the interaction, Nadal was asked about the all-Spanish quarterfinal and if he thinks it is the beginning of a new rivalry. Even though the fans wouldn’t have shied away from saying yes to it, Nadal thought of it in a different way. Taking the question with grace, Nadal denied the idea of the beginning of a new rivalry between the two. The reason? 36! As per Nadal, the reason behind the non-possibility of having a new rivalry was his age. He said, “No, no, no. I don’t think I will reach that rivalry. I’m 36 years old.”

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s road to the quarterfinals

Being on a two-month break following a rib fracture, Rafael Nadal finally made a comeback at the 2022 Madrid Open. Getting a first-round bye, Nadal started his tournament campaign with a second-round victory over Miomir Kecmanovic. Going ahead, he next faced qualifier David Goffin in the third round. Indulging in a nail-biting match, both players gave their all to win. However, keeping his calm attitude in place (just like in Aus Open final against Medvedev), Nadal came out victorious in three sets.

On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz entered Madrid as a winner of the Barcelona Open. Receiving a first-round bye, Alcaraz started his Madrid campaign with a second-round win over Nikoloz Basilashvili. Going ahead, he went on to beat the 9th seeded Cameron Norrie.

Winning their previous clashes, the two are set to face each other in a quarterfinal clash today.