Tennis: Nadal beaten by Alcaraz during an exhibition tournament in Riyadh

Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, who will retire from sports next month, was beaten by his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday evening during an exhibition tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Nadal38, lost in two sets 6-3, 6-3, recognizing the superiority of his young opponent, whom he described as a real “animal” on the court.

“I don’t really have any pressure here. I’m just trying to have fun”then highlighted at a press conference the Mallorcan with 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 to Roland-Garros. “I know I will meet players who are in much better shape than me”he added.

Carlos Alcarazworld number two, for his part admitted that it was not “not a comfortable time” for him. “Obviously I wanted to win.”he added.

In Riyadh, Rafael Nadal will face the Serbian on Saturday Novak Djokovicbeaten for his part by the Italian Jannik Sinnerin three sets 6-2, 6-7 (0), 6-4. “We’ve met so many times, so it’ll be nice to play against each other one last time.”declared the Mallorcan, who was soundly beaten by “Djoko” during the Olympic tournament in Paris this summer.

Sinnerworld No. 1, will face him Carlos Alcaraz in what will constitute the final of this exhibition tournament.

Alcaraz et Nadal should then meet next month in Malaga, in their country, for the final phase of the Davis Cup (November 19-24), at the end of which the Majorcan will therefore retire. “From an emotional point of view, I am sure I am ready. Physically, and from a Tennis point of view, there is a month left” to prepare, commented “Rafa”assuring that he would not hesitate to skip the singles in Malaga if he considers himself too fair.