Tennis news today: Rafael Nadal congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on Madrid Open victory, Venus and Serena Williams attend Miami GP | 9 May 2022
Carlos Alcaraz was congratulated by his idol Rafael Nadal following his Madrid Open victory on Sunday. Alcaraz notably defeated Nadal in the quarterfinals on his way to the title.
Plenty of high-profile tennis players were spotted at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday. The Williams sisters, Caroline Wozniacki and Juan Martin del Potro were among those in attendance. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu explored the beautiful city of Rome ahead of her Italian Open debut.
After a first-round bye, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will kick off his Italian Open challenge against Aslan Karatsev. Plenty of top players were seen practicing together in Rome ahead of their matches.
Here's a round-up of the day's headlines:
Rafael Nadal congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on Madrid Open win
Carlos Alcaraz was at his absolute best as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1 to win the Madrid Open. The teenager had previously won against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively.
The youngster had a great tournament and was congratulated by his idol Nadal on his victory. The veteran wrote on Instagram:
"Congratulations Carlos!!!! What a great tournament. Big win!!!"
Alcaraz reached a career-high ranking of World No. 6 with his triumph. He has, however, withdrawn from the Italian Open in order to be ready for Roland Garros after a grueling campaign in Madrid.
Tennis stars attend inaugural Miami Grand Prix
Venus and Serena Williams, former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro were all spotted at the first edition of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.
Fun day catching up with friends watching the @F1 ! @rolex https://t.co/g33cmKnsXG
The Williams sisters were there to cheer on their good friend Lewis Hamilton, who struggled throughout the race. Max Verstappen finished first, followed by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr.
Emma Raducanu goes sightseeing in Rome
Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu has a big match coming up at the Italian Open. She's set to take on 2019 US Open winner Bianca Andreescu in the first round.
But when in Rome, it's impossible not to explore the gorgeous city, and the teenager did exactly that, posting pictures of hersel at various exotic locations.
Novak Djokovic to start Italian Open campaign against Aslan Karatsev
After a first-round bye, Novak Djokovic will kick off his quest for a sixth Italian Open title against Aslan Karatsev. The head-to-head between Djokovic and Karatsev stands at 1-1, with the latter winning their most recent encounter in three sets at the 2021 Serbia Open.
However, Djokovic is playing at a higher level at the moment and should be able to win this time around.
Top players train together ahead of Italian Open
Plenty of top players were spotted train together ahead of the Italian Open. Former Roland Garros champions Simona Halep and Iga Swiatek, who are favorites to win the title in Rome, were one such duo.
Another dream practice at Foro Italico.
Iga #Swiatek and Simona #Halep
#IBI22 https://t.co/UCYxtkAAyW
US Open finalists Karolina Pliskova and Leylah Fernandez also practiced together.
#Fernandez and #Pliskova
#IBI22 https://t.co/9Ex0rikURo
Defending champion Rafael Nadal was also seen training, and fans quickly filled the stadium to catch the Spaniard in action.
No, it's not Grandstand
No, it's not a match
Full stands for #Nadal practice
#IBI22 https://t.co/SnOwKOmnX9