New Delhi, India

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that his showdown versus 'idol' Rafael Nadal will be a 'difficult moment' when the Spanish duo lock horns for the final time in the semifinal of the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event in Riyadh, on Thursday (Oct 17). Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner, has been a huge admirer of Nadal, who is set to retire from the sport after the upcoming Davis Cup, to be held next month in Malaga.

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'Since I started to play tennis, I'm watching his matches'

Ahead of the clash, Alcaraz opined, "Since I started to play tennis, I'm watching his matches. I look up to him and I grew up watching him. He was my idol, he is still my idol."

He mentioned, "A really important person for my life, for my career and he was one of the reasons that I wanted to become a professional tennis player. Knowing he is going to retire is pretty tough for everyone, for me."

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Also read: Will be there in person to pay respect: Novak Djokovic reacts to longtime rival Rafael Nadal's retirement

Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, further added, "I will try to enjoy sharing the court with him once again, but I think it is really difficult for everyone."

In terms of head-to-head, Nadal and Alcaraz have met three times on the main ATP Tour with the soon-to-be-retired veteran having a slender 2-1 lead. The two paired up for the doubles event in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they bowed out in the quarterfinals. While this will be their last face-off, the two will be seen together in the Davis Cup for Spain, Nadal's swansong.

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Nadal's career has been plagued with injury concerns for the last two-three years. His last singles appearance came at the Games on the Roland Garros, where he won 14 French Open titles. Overall, Nadal is set to sign off with 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals (one each in singles and doubles).