Madrid Open 2022: Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Fixture: (3) Rafael Nadal vs (7) Carlos Alcaraz
Date: 6 May 2022.
Tournament: Madrid Open 2022.
Round: Quarterfinals
Venue: Madrid, Spain.
Category: ATP Masters 1000.
Surface: Clay.
Prize money: €6,744,165.
Match timing: Not before 4 pm local time, 2 pm GMT, 7.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Sports18 & Voot
Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz preview
The home fans will be in for a treat as Rafael Nadal takes on protege Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the final four at the Madrid Open on Friday.
Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarterfinals with a thrilling win against David Goffin on Thursday. Just when it looked like Nadal was going to cruise past Goffin in straight sets, the Belgian surprised everyone with his incredible shot-making skills on the big points.
The match ended up heading into the final set, where Nadal managed to hold his nerve in the tie-break to progress to the last eight. Goffin would have been gutted with the result after having failed to convert four match points.
Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, is having an incredible season, snapping up titles in Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Barcelona. The young Spaniard got the better of British No. 1 Cameron Norrie in an interesting round-of-16 encounter in Madrid on Thursday.
Alcaraz took the first set 6-4 but Norrie showed his customary fighting spirit to take the second set in a tie-break. However, Alcaraz was too hot to handle in the deciding set, winning it 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in Madrid.
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@alcarazcarlos03 defeats Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3 & sets up a quarter-final showdown with Nadal!
Birthday boy. Birthday WIN 🎉
🇪🇸 @alcarazcarlos03 defeats Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3 & sets up a quarter-final showdown with Nadal!
@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN https://t.co/2z61goG2bl
Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head
This will be the third meeting between the pair, with Nadal leading the head-to-head 2-0. They met last year in the round of 32 at the Madrid Open, where Nadal secured a comfortable 6-1 6-2 victory.
Their most recent encounter at Indian Wells was much more competitive, with Nadal using his experience to prevail 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. The winner of this match will face either Novak Djokovic or Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals.
Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz odds
(All odds sourced from Oddschecker)
Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz prediction
This is a great opportunity for Alcaraz to make a statement against his idol. But the young Spaniard will need to be proactive from the get-go and prevent Nadal from settling into any kind of rhythm.
Over the years, Nadal has mastered the art of game management. He knows exactly when to absorb pressure and when to shift gears and elevate his game.
The Mallorcan didn't serve particularly well against Goffin, with four double faults and a first-serve percentage of 66 percent. He converted only three out of the 11 break points he had against the Belgian.
The former World No. 1 also struggled to deal with the Belgian's inside-out forehand. Alcaraz should take a leaf out of Goffin's book and generate sharp angles to get Nadal running from side to side. His monstrous backhand could come into good use as well.
On the whole, Alcaraz has a good chance of winning this match, but Nadal won't make it easy for him. If fitness and fatigue are not an issue for the five-time Madrid Open champion, he might just be able to sneak past his younger compatriot once again.
Pick: Rafael Nadal to win in three sets
Also Check Out :-Madrid Open 2022 Schedule