In pictures: King of Spain, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and others watch Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz duel it out at the Madrid Open
The quarterfinal encounter between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2022 Madrid Masters on Friday was tipped to be a contender for Match of the Year and it did not disappoint.
The Spaniards matched each other shot-for-shot over the course of three sets in front of a packed crowd, before the World No. 9 pulled off a remarkable 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory over his childhood idol. In doing so, Alcaraz became the first ever teenager to beat the 21-time Grand Slam champion on clay.
H I S T O R I C 
🌟 H I S T O R I C 🌟
@alcarazcarlos03 beats Nadal for the very first time - becoming the first-ever teenager to defeat Rafa on clay!
#MMOPEN https://t.co/l6z9IloMQM
In addition to witnessing history being made on Friday, the Manolo Santana Stadium also played host to a number of high-profile celebrities who showed up to watch two of the biggest names in Spanish tennis battle it out.
Modric & Vinicius at the match between Rafa Nadal and Alcaraz. 🎾 https://t.co/5HHpwqznmV
The surprise visitor of the evening was certainly Felipe VI, the King of Spain. The head of state was accompanied by tournament director Feliciano Lopez, who ensured that he was there in person to watch the match he was most excited for from the moment the draw was made.
Also there to watch Carlos Alcaraz take down the King of Clay were Real Madrid superstars Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr. Interestingly, Nadal and Alcaraz showed up at Real Madrid's Champions League semifinal against Manchester City a couple of days ago.
Modric, Vinicius, Kroos et Raul lors du match entre Rafa Nadal et Alcaraz. 🎾
Des Goat au match du Goat 🐐🐐 https://t.co/IkaGfebg8k
Sitting beside Modric and Kroos were two of the greatest Spanish forwards of all time, Raul and David Villa.
Carlos Alcaraz will take on Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2022 Madrid Masters
Following his victory over Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz will attempt to beat a second member of the Big 3 on Saturday -- Novak Djokovic. The World No. 1 is slowly getting back into his groove, dismantling Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals to set up a meeting with the World No. 9.
LET'S DO THIS.
🍿🍿🍿
@DjokerNole @alcarazcarlos03 #MMOPEN https://t.co/KFxkcbzrBl
Alcaraz and Djokovic have never faced off till date. The two practiced together a few days ago, but the stakes will be much higher this time around.