Category: 2022

Tsitsipas Downs Rublev For Madrid SF Spot

May 6, 2022

Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame a serious examination from Andrey Rublev at the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday, clinching a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory in the Spanish capital to reach a 10th ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

Tsitsipas lifted his second Masters 1000 title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in April and the 23-year-old looks to have maintained that form as he chases a second title of the season. Unlike his relatively straightforward opening victories in Madrid over Lucas Pouille and Grigor Dimitrov, however, the fourth seed’s meeting with Rublev was a see-saw affair in which both players enjoyed spells of domination.

“He was really applying a lot of force into the strokes, and it wasn’t easy predicting what was going to come next,” said Tsitsipas after fending off two Rublev break points in the final game to clinch the win. “But I’m very glad with the way things ended.

“It’s never easy playing him, and I really had to survive that last game with my best strength and give out my soul, pretty much, to finish it in such a good way.”

A 4-4 ATP Head2Head series record coming into the match suggested little to separate Tsitsipas and Rublev, and so it proved in a dramatic encounter on Manolo Santana Stadium. Yet it was the Greek who finished strongest in a one-hour, 59-minute encounter as he avenged defeat in the pair’s most recent meeting at November’s Nitto ATP Finals.

Tsitsipas came out firing on serve and took the first set courtesy of a break in the second game of the match. The Greek dropped just six points on serve behind his delivery in the set but was aided by a slow start from Rublev, who showed his frustration as he struggled to land his trademark booming groundstrokes.

As he did against Jack Draper and Daniel Evans in his previous matches, Rublev found a way to reset and he found his groove to storm back into the match in spectacular style. Rublev reeled off four games in a row from 2-2 in the second set as he began to showcase the sort of brutal forehand hitting that took him to an 11th tour-level title in Belgrade two weeks ago.

Most Tour-Level Match Wins In 2022

An even encounter seemed destined for a deciding tie-break until Tsitsipas produced a high-class return game to break in the ninth game of the third set before serving out for victory. The win improves the 2019 finalist’s record against Top 10 opponents to 26-34, and Tsitsipas will feel he has the momentum to go all the way this week as he chases a maiden title in Madrid.

The Greek is nonetheless refusing to get carried away with his good form. “I had a good result [in Monte Carlo] but that doesn’t really mean anything for me,” said Tsitsipas. “Madrid has it’s own challenges. Obviously a different climate, different conditions.

“I’m feeling great, to be honest, and I really hope that I can continue that way, playing so aggressive and being creative on the court.”

His semi-final opponent will be the winner of the last quarter-final on Friday’s schedule, Felix Auger-Aliassime or defending champion Alexander Zverev.

ATP WTA Live App

Rome Draw: Returning Finalists Nadal & Djokovic In Same Half

May 6, 2022

One year after Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in a three-set final at the 2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the two most successful players in ATP Masters 1000 history have been drawn in the same half for next week’s event.

View Singles Draw

Five-time champion Djokovic, who can still add to his record 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles in Madrid, is the top seed in Rome. He could face Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, where the Serbian would be looking to avenge a semi-final loss on the clay of Belgrade last year. One of the more intriguing opening-round matches could yield Djokovic’s third-round opponent: 14th seed Reilly Opelka takes on Stan Wawrinka, who will be competing in his second ATP Tour match of the season as he returns from a foot injury.

Eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist in Madrid, is the next-highest seed in Djokovic’s quarter. The Canadian could face Monte Carlo finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and 2020 Rome finalist Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

Nadal, seeded third, is a 36-time ATP Masters 1000 champ. His 10 Rome titles are his most at any event at that level outside of his 11 in Monte Carlo. The 35-year-old will be competing in his second event after a six-week injury layoff as he continues his return from a rib fracture. The Spaniard could open against John Isner, with fifth seed Casper Ruud — a former Rome semi-finalist who returns after missing out on the 2021 event — a potential quarter-final opponent.

ATP WTA Live App

Alexander Zverev leads the draw’s bottom half as the second seed, with the 2017 Rome champion set to open play against a qualifier in the second round. Madrid semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz looms as a potential quarter-final opponent, with the seventh-seeded Spaniard possibly facing a tricky opening match against Cristian Garin.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov are in line to meet for the third time in as many events following wins for the Greek in Barcelona and Madrid. Dimitrov will need to get past a qualifier to set up that encounter.

Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner are also in Tsitsipas’ quarter, as is Dominic Thiem, who will seek the first victory of his return from a right-wrist injury against Fabio Fognini. The winner there could face 10th seed Sinner in the second round.

The 2022 Internazionali BNL d’Italia will be played from 8-15 May at the Foro Italico in Rome. It is the fifth of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events on the 2022 calendar, and the third and final clay-court tournament at that level.

Rome Draw: Returning Finalists Nadal & Djokovic In Same Half

May 6, 2022

One year after Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in a three-set final at the 2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the two most successful players in ATP Masters 1000 history have been drawn in the same half for next week’s event.

View Singles Draw

Five-time champion Djokovic, who can still add to his record 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles in Madrid, is the top seed in Rome. He could face Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, where the Serbian would be looking to avenge a semi-final loss on the clay of Belgrade last year. One of the more intriguing opening-round matches could yield Djokovic’s third-round opponent: 14th seed Reilly Opelka takes on Stan Wawrinka, who will be competing in his second ATP Tour match of the season as he returns from a foot injury.

Eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist in Madrid, is the next-highest seed in Djokovic’s quarter. The Canadian could face Monte Carlo finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and 2020 Rome finalist Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

Nadal, seeded third, is a 36-time ATP Masters 1000 champ. His 10 Rome titles are his most at any event at that level outside of his 11 in Monte Carlo. The 35-year-old will be competing in his second event after a six-week injury layoff as he continues his return from a rib fracture. The Spaniard could open against John Isner, with fifth seed Casper Ruud — a former Rome semi-finalist who returns after missing out on the 2021 event — a potential quarter-final opponent.

ATP WTA Live App

Alexander Zverev leads the draw’s bottom half as the second seed, with the 2017 Rome champion set to open play against a qualifier in the second round. Madrid semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz looms as a potential quarter-final opponent, with the seventh-seeded Spaniard possibly facing a tricky opening match against Cristian Garin.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov are in line to meet for the third time in as many events following wins for the Greek in Barcelona and Madrid. Dimitrov will need to get past a qualifier to set up that encounter.

Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner are also in Tsitsipas’ quarter, as is Dominic Thiem, who will seek the first victory of his return from a right-wrist injury against Fabio Fognini. The winner there could face 10th seed Sinner in the second round.

The 2022 Internazionali BNL d’Italia will be played from 8-15 May at the Foro Italico in Rome. It is the fifth of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events on the 2022 calendar, and the third and final clay-court tournament at that level.

Rome Draw: Returning Finalists Nadal & Djokovic In Same Half

May 6, 2022

One year after Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in a three-set final at the 2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the two most successful players in ATP Masters 1000 history have been drawn in the same half for next week’s event.

View Singles Draw

Five-time champion Djokovic, who can still add to his record 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles in Madrid, is the top seed in Rome. He could face Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, where the Serbian would be looking to avenge a semi-final loss on the clay of Belgrade last year. One of the more intriguing opening-round matches could yield Djokovic’s third-round opponent: 14th seed Reilly Opelka takes on Stan Wawrinka, who will be competing in his second ATP Tour match of the season as he returns from a foot injury.

Eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist in Madrid, is the next-highest seed in Djokovic’s quarter. The Canadian could face Monte Carlo finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and 2020 Rome finalist Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

Nadal, seeded third, is a 36-time ATP Masters 1000 champ. His 10 Rome titles are his most at any event at that level outside of his 11 in Monte Carlo. The 35-year-old will be competing in his second event after a six-week injury layoff as he continues his return from a rib fracture. The Spaniard could open against John Isner, with fifth seed Casper Ruud — a former Rome semi-finalist who returns after missing out on the 2021 event — a potential quarter-final opponent.

ATP WTA Live App

Alexander Zverev leads the draw’s bottom half as the second seed, with the 2017 Rome champion set to open play against a qualifier in the second round. Madrid semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz looms as a potential quarter-final opponent, with the seventh-seeded Spaniard possibly facing a tricky opening match against Cristian Garin.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov are in line to meet for the third time in as many events following wins for the Greek in Barcelona and Madrid. Dimitrov will need to get past a qualifier to set up that encounter.

Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner are also in Tsitsipas’ quarter, as is Dominic Thiem, who will seek the first victory of his return from a right-wrist injury against Fabio Fognini. The winner there could face 10th seed Sinner in the second round.

The 2022 Internazionali BNL d’Italia will be played from 8-15 May at the Foro Italico in Rome. It is the fifth of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events on the 2022 calendar, and the third and final clay-court tournament at that level.

Rome Draw: Returning Finalists Nadal & Djokovic In Same Half

May 6, 2022

One year after Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in a three-set final at the 2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the two most successful players in ATP Masters 1000 history have been drawn in the same half for next week’s event.

View Singles Draw

Five-time champion Djokovic, who can still add to his record 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles in Madrid, is the top seed in Rome. He could face Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, where the Serbian would be looking to avenge a semi-final loss on the clay of Belgrade last year. One of the more intriguing opening-round matches could yield Djokovic’s third-round opponent: 14th seed Reilly Opelka takes on Stan Wawrinka, who will be competing in his second ATP Tour match of the season as he returns from a foot injury.

Eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist in Madrid, is the next-highest seed in Djokovic’s quarter. The Canadian could face Monte Carlo finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and 2020 Rome finalist Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

Nadal, seeded third, is a 36-time ATP Masters 1000 champ. His 10 Rome titles are his most at any event at that level outside of his 11 in Monte Carlo. The 35-year-old will be competing in his second event after a six-week injury layoff as he continues his return from a rib fracture. The Spaniard could open against John Isner, with fifth seed Casper Ruud — a former Rome semi-finalist who returns after missing out on the 2021 event — a potential quarter-final opponent.

ATP WTA Live App

Alexander Zverev leads the draw’s bottom half as the second seed, with the 2017 Rome champion set to open play against a qualifier in the second round. Madrid semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz looms as a potential quarter-final opponent, with the seventh-seeded Spaniard possibly facing a tricky opening match against Cristian Garin.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov are in line to meet for the third time in as many events following wins for the Greek in Barcelona and Madrid. Dimitrov will need to get past a qualifier to set up that encounter.

Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner are also in Tsitsipas’ quarter, as is Dominic Thiem, who will seek the first victory of his return from a right-wrist injury against Fabio Fognini. The winner there could face 10th seed Sinner in the second round.

The 2022 Internazionali BNL d’Italia will be played from 8-15 May at the Foro Italico in Rome. It is the fifth of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events on the 2022 calendar, and the third and final clay-court tournament at that level.

Rome Draw: Returning Finalists Nadal & Djokovic In Same Half

May 6, 2022

One year after Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in a three-set final at the 2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the two most successful players in ATP Masters 1000 history have been drawn in the same half for next week’s event.

View Singles Draw

Five-time champion Djokovic, who can still add to his record 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles in Madrid, is the top seed in Rome. He could face Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, where the Serbian would be looking to avenge a semi-final loss on the clay of Belgrade last year. One of the more intriguing opening-round matches could yield Djokovic’s third-round opponent: 14th seed Reilly Opelka takes on Stan Wawrinka, who will be competing in his second ATP Tour match of the season as he returns from a foot injury.

Eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist in Madrid, is the next-highest seed in Djokovic’s quarter. The Canadian could face Monte Carlo finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and 2020 Rome finalist Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

Nadal, seeded third, is a 36-time ATP Masters 1000 champ. His 10 Rome titles are his most at any event at that level outside of his 11 in Monte Carlo. The 35-year-old will be competing in his second event after a six-week injury layoff as he continues his return from a rib fracture. The Spaniard could open against John Isner, with fifth seed Casper Ruud — a former Rome semi-finalist who returns after missing out on the 2021 event — a potential quarter-final opponent.

ATP WTA Live App

Alexander Zverev leads the draw’s bottom half as the second seed, with the 2017 Rome champion set to open play against a qualifier in the second round. Madrid semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz looms as a potential quarter-final opponent, with the seventh-seeded Spaniard possibly facing a tricky opening match against Cristian Garin.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov are in line to meet for the third time in as many events following wins for the Greek in Barcelona and Madrid. Dimitrov will need to get past a qualifier to set up that encounter.

Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner are also in Tsitsipas’ quarter, as is Dominic Thiem, who will seek the first victory of his return from a right-wrist injury against Fabio Fognini. The winner there could face 10th seed Sinner in the second round.

The 2022 Internazionali BNL d’Italia will be played from 8-15 May at the Foro Italico in Rome. It is the fifth of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events on the 2022 calendar, and the third and final clay-court tournament at that level.

Awesome Alcaraz Takes Out Nadal In Madrid

May 6, 2022

What a difference a year makes for Carlos Alcaraz.

A year on from winning just three games in a second-round defeat to Rafael Nadal at the 2021 Mutua Madrid Open, the 19-year-old sensation exacted revenge on his countryman at the ATP Masters 1000 event on Friday with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory in a topsy-turvy clash in the Spanish capital.

Alcaraz withstood a trademark Nadal fightback and a nasty second-set fall on the Madrid clay to prevail in an absorbing two-hour, 29-minute encounter. The win elevates the Spaniard to No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings and he now faces a semi-final clash with another ATP Tour legend, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, in a maiden ATP Head2Head meeting between the two.

“It means a lot to me,” said Alcaraz after the match. “All the hard work that I put in every day pays off today. To beat Rafa, to beat the best player in history on clay, it means a lot to me.”

Breaking into the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and clinching a maiden Masters 1000 title in Miami in March have been the headlining achievements of Alcaraz’s stellar 2022 season so far, and a first victory over Nadal represents another milestone for the 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion. He displayed maturity and youthful exuberance in equal measure to overcome Nadal, becoming the first teenager to defeat the 35-year-old on clay.

Alcaraz was untouchable in the opening set, striking 19 winners as Nadal struggled to match the quality and intensity of his opponent’s game. Although Nadal immediately broke back after dropping serve in the first game of the match, a combination of huge baseline hitting and clever drop shots earned Alcaraz two further breaks as he charged to the first set in Manolo Santana Stadium.

Despite his opponent’s strong start, there was no panic from 36-time Masters 1000 champion Nadal, whose return game began to fire as he sensed a drop in Alcaraz’s level. Alcaraz recovered 0/40 to hold for 1-1 in the second set before a slip in the next game left him requiring treatment for an ankle injury. Nadal’s improved hitting won him 20 of the final 22 points of the set to level the match as Alcaraz struggled to regain his early momentum.

Nadal appeared to have the upper hand as he chased a 12th semi-final appearance in Madrid, but his younger opponent showcased levels of resilience that the 21-time Grand Slam champion would be proud of. A reenergised Alcaraz struck the ball with authority as he clinched the only break of the deciding set in the fourth game to reach the semi-finals in Madrid for the first time.

Alcaraz’s early dominance was reflected in his outstanding Conversion and Steal numbers for the first set. When the 19-year-old had control of rallies he regularly came out on top, winning 74 per cent of points after taking up offensive positions. Even as Nadal tried to hit back there was no let-up from Alcaraz, who also won 61 per cent of points from defensive positions in the set. (Learn more about Conversion and Steal scores).

Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz ⁠— First Set Insights:

<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/06/17/14/alcaraz-nadal-bop-madrid-2022.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz Balance Of Power Stats”>

Alcaraz never lost belief he could win despite appearing to struggle physically after his second-set fall. “It affected me a lot,” said the Spaniard. “When I lost the second set, I [just] thought that I was able to come back, to do my best, try everything on court, fight until the last ball. It was the key.”

The win takes Alcaraz to his third Masters 1000 semi-final and extends his winning streak against Top 10 opponents to five.

ATP WTA Live App


Awesome Alcaraz Takes Out Nadal In Madrid

May 6, 2022

What a difference a year makes for Carlos Alcaraz.

A year on from winning just three games in a second-round defeat to Rafael Nadal at the 2021 Mutua Madrid Open, the 19-year-old sensation exacted revenge on his countryman at the ATP Masters 1000 event on Friday with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory in a topsy-turvy clash in the Spanish capital.

Alcaraz withstood a trademark Nadal fightback and a nasty second-set fall on the Madrid clay to prevail in an absorbing two-hour, 29-minute encounter. The win elevates the Spaniard to No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings and he now faces a semi-final clash with another ATP Tour legend, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, in a maiden ATP Head2Head meeting between the two.

“It means a lot to me,” said Alcaraz after the match. “All the hard work that I put in every day pays off today. To beat Rafa, to beat the best player in history on clay, it means a lot to me.”

Breaking into the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and clinching a maiden Masters 1000 title in Miami in March have been the headlining achievements of Alcaraz’s stellar 2022 season so far, and a first victory over Nadal represents another milestone for the 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion. He displayed maturity and youthful exuberance in equal measure to overcome Nadal, becoming the first teenager to defeat the 35-year-old on clay.

Alcaraz was untouchable in the opening set, striking 19 winners as Nadal struggled to match the quality and intensity of his opponent’s game. Although Nadal immediately broke back after dropping serve in the first game of the match, a combination of huge baseline hitting and clever drop shots earned Alcaraz two further breaks as he charged to the first set in Manolo Santana Stadium.

Despite his opponent’s strong start, there was no panic from 36-time Masters 1000 champion Nadal, whose return game began to fire as he sensed a drop in Alcaraz’s level. Alcaraz recovered 0/40 to hold for 1-1 in the second set before a slip in the next game left him requiring treatment for an ankle injury. Nadal’s improved hitting won him 20 of the final 22 points of the set to level the match as Alcaraz struggled to regain his early momentum.

Nadal appeared to have the upper hand as he chased a 12th semi-final appearance in Madrid, but his younger opponent showcased levels of resilience that the 21-time Grand Slam champion would be proud of. A reenergised Alcaraz struck the ball with authority as he clinched the only break of the deciding set in the fourth game to reach the semi-finals in Madrid for the first time.

Alcaraz’s early dominance was reflected in his outstanding Conversion and Steal numbers for the first set. When the 19-year-old had control of rallies he regularly came out on top, winning 74 per cent of points after taking up offensive positions. Even as Nadal tried to hit back there was no let-up from Alcaraz, who also won 61 per cent of points from defensive positions in the set. (Learn more about Conversion and Steal scores).

Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz ⁠— First Set Insights:

<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/06/17/14/alcaraz-nadal-bop-madrid-2022.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz Balance Of Power Stats”>

Alcaraz never lost belief he could win despite appearing to struggle physically after his second-set fall. “It affected me a lot,” said the Spaniard. “When I lost the second set, I [just] thought that I was able to come back, to do my best, try everything on court, fight until the last ball. It was the key.”

The win takes Alcaraz to his third Masters 1000 semi-final and extends his winning streak against Top 10 opponents to five.

ATP WTA Live App


Awesome Alcaraz Takes Out Nadal In Madrid

May 6, 2022

What a difference a year makes for Carlos Alcaraz.

A year on from winning just three games in a second-round defeat to Rafael Nadal at the 2021 Mutua Madrid Open, the 19-year-old sensation exacted revenge on his countryman at the ATP Masters 1000 event on Friday with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory in a topsy-turvy clash in the Spanish capital.

Alcaraz withstood a trademark Nadal fightback and a nasty second-set fall on the Madrid clay to prevail in an absorbing two-hour, 29-minute encounter. The win elevates the Spaniard to No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings and he now faces a semi-final clash with another ATP Tour legend, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, in a maiden ATP Head2Head meeting between the two.

“It means a lot to me,” said Alcaraz after the match. “All the hard work that I put in every day pays off today. To beat Rafa, to beat the best player in history on clay, it means a lot to me.”

Breaking into the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and clinching a maiden Masters 1000 title in Miami in March have been the headlining achievements of Alcaraz’s stellar 2022 season so far, and a first victory over Nadal represents another milestone for the 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion. He displayed maturity and youthful exuberance in equal measure to overcome Nadal, becoming the first teenager to defeat the 35-year-old on clay.

Alcaraz was untouchable in the opening set, striking 19 winners as Nadal struggled to match the quality and intensity of his opponent’s game. Although Nadal immediately broke back after dropping serve in the first game of the match, a combination of huge baseline hitting and clever drop shots earned Alcaraz two further breaks as he charged to the first set in Manolo Santana Stadium.

Despite his opponent’s strong start, there was no panic from 36-time Masters 1000 champion Nadal, whose return game began to fire as he sensed a drop in Alcaraz’s level. Alcaraz recovered 0/40 to hold for 1-1 in the second set before a slip in the next game left him requiring treatment for an ankle injury. Nadal’s improved hitting won him 20 of the final 22 points of the set to level the match as Alcaraz struggled to regain his early momentum.

Nadal appeared to have the upper hand as he chased a 12th semi-final appearance in Madrid, but his younger opponent showcased levels of resilience that the 21-time Grand Slam champion would be proud of. A reenergised Alcaraz struck the ball with authority as he clinched the only break of the deciding set in the fourth game to reach the semi-finals in Madrid for the first time.

Alcaraz’s early dominance was reflected in his outstanding Conversion and Steal numbers for the first set. When the 19-year-old had control of rallies he regularly came out on top, winning 74 per cent of points after taking up offensive positions. Even as Nadal tried to hit back there was no let-up from Alcaraz, who also won 61 per cent of points from defensive positions in the set. (Learn more about Conversion and Steal scores).

Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz ⁠— First Set Insights:

<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/06/17/14/alcaraz-nadal-bop-madrid-2022.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz Balance Of Power Stats”>

Alcaraz never lost belief he could win despite appearing to struggle physically after his second-set fall. “It affected me a lot,” said the Spaniard. “When I lost the second set, I [just] thought that I was able to come back, to do my best, try everything on court, fight until the last ball. It was the key.”

The win takes Alcaraz to his third Masters 1000 semi-final and extends his winning streak against Top 10 opponents to five.

ATP WTA Live App


Awesome Alcaraz Takes Out Nadal In Madrid

May 6, 2022

What a difference a year makes for Carlos Alcaraz.

A year on from winning just three games in a second-round defeat to Rafael Nadal at the 2021 Mutua Madrid Open, the 19-year-old sensation exacted revenge on his countryman at the ATP Masters 1000 event on Friday with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory in a topsy-turvy clash in the Spanish capital.

Alcaraz withstood a trademark Nadal fightback and a nasty second-set fall on the Madrid clay to prevail in an absorbing two-hour, 29-minute encounter. The win elevates the Spaniard to No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings and he now faces a semi-final clash with another ATP Tour legend, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, in a maiden ATP Head2Head meeting between the two.

“It means a lot to me,” said Alcaraz after the match. “All the hard work that I put in every day pays off today. To beat Rafa, to beat the best player in history on clay, it means a lot to me.”

Breaking into the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and clinching a maiden Masters 1000 title in Miami in March have been the headlining achievements of Alcaraz’s stellar 2022 season so far, and a first victory over Nadal represents another milestone for the 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion. He displayed maturity and youthful exuberance in equal measure to overcome Nadal, becoming the first teenager to defeat the 35-year-old on clay.

Alcaraz was untouchable in the opening set, striking 19 winners as Nadal struggled to match the quality and intensity of his opponent’s game. Although Nadal immediately broke back after dropping serve in the first game of the match, a combination of huge baseline hitting and clever drop shots earned Alcaraz two further breaks as he charged to the first set in Manolo Santana Stadium.

Despite his opponent’s strong start, there was no panic from 36-time Masters 1000 champion Nadal, whose return game began to fire as he sensed a drop in Alcaraz’s level. Alcaraz recovered 0/40 to hold for 1-1 in the second set before a slip in the next game left him requiring treatment for an ankle injury. Nadal’s improved hitting won him 20 of the final 22 points of the set to level the match as Alcaraz struggled to regain his early momentum.

Nadal appeared to have the upper hand as he chased a 12th semi-final appearance in Madrid, but his younger opponent showcased levels of resilience that the 21-time Grand Slam champion would be proud of. A reenergised Alcaraz struck the ball with authority as he clinched the only break of the deciding set in the fourth game to reach the semi-finals in Madrid for the first time.

Alcaraz’s early dominance was reflected in his outstanding Conversion and Steal numbers for the first set. When the 19-year-old had control of rallies he regularly came out on top, winning 74 per cent of points after taking up offensive positions. Even as Nadal tried to hit back there was no let-up from Alcaraz, who also won 61 per cent of points from defensive positions in the set. (Learn more about Conversion and Steal scores).

Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz ⁠— First Set Insights:

<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/06/17/14/alcaraz-nadal-bop-madrid-2022.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal Vs. Carlos Alcaraz Balance Of Power Stats”>

Alcaraz never lost belief he could win despite appearing to struggle physically after his second-set fall. “It affected me a lot,” said the Spaniard. “When I lost the second set, I [just] thought that I was able to come back, to do my best, try everything on court, fight until the last ball. It was the key.”

The win takes Alcaraz to his third Masters 1000 semi-final and extends his winning streak against Top 10 opponents to five.

ATP WTA Live App