The occasion simply cannot get bigger than this! An encounter of epic proportions is on the cards as all eyes are firmly set on the hallowed turf of the famed Centre Court at the All England Club. World no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will be locking horns with world number 2 Novak Djokovic for bragging rights in a mouth-watering clash at the Wimbledon finals.

Every tennis fan will be looking forward to the match, which promises to be nothing short of a memorable affair. To add more drama to the ensuing potboiler, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz has re-emphasized his choice in the long-standing admiration for one among Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, his Wimbledon final opponent.

Carlos Alcaraz recalls first meeting with idol Rafael Nadal ahead of epic Novak Djokovic clash

Widely considered as the next best thing in men’s tennis, Alcaraz has always expressed his deep admiration and reverence for countryman and 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal. In a recent interview with Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association, he further highlighted his love for Rafael Nadal, hailing him as his “hero,” clearly showing his allegiance to the Spaniard over Roger Federer.

He recalled his first meeting with Nadal during the interview. “My hero was Rafael Nadal, and it’s still Rafael Nadal.. Since I started playing tennis, I look up to Rafa every time that I watch his matches. Of course, I look up to Federer. But you know, it has been always, always Rafa..

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“I have always watched tennis, you know, the big things he has achieved.. Yeah, the first time I met him, I was 12 years old. He was in the Mutua Madrid Open.. He was in the semifinal or something, something like that in the big one.. And yeah, I took a photo and this is the first that I was with him,” he said.

The Spanish legend has also reciprocated the admiration as he pinned high hopes for the 20-year-old quite a few times in the past.

READ MORE: VIDEO: Here’s What Rafael Nadal Said to Carlos Alcaraz After He Blasted a Winner Past Him During a Practice Session

Nadal sees a bright future for youngster Alcaraz

Ever since his incredible breakthrough into the ATP tour, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz has quickly established himself as a force to reckon with. Naturally, this even caught the attention of his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal. Before squaring off against each other in the semifinals of the 2022 Indian Wells, Nadal was full of praises for Alcaraz, hailing him as the next big thing in tennis. He was appreciative of his talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport.

As Rafael Nadal recovers from his hip surgery, Carlos Alcaraz shines on the tour keeping the Spanish Armada cruising. He has the opportunity to prove his mettle on the grandest occasion as he battles Djokovic for the Wimbledon crown.

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