Rafael Nadal conceded that his fitness level is far from the best on the professional tour after being defeated in straight sets by fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday. The 38-year-old lost 6-3, 6-3 to the 21-year-old in the semi-finals of the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, with Alcaraz describing the match as “a little bit sad.”
Nadal, who recently announced his intention to retire following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, acknowledged Alcaraz’s prowess, calling him an “animal,” and admitted he is not currently at the peak of his game.
Alcaraz, who claimed the French Open and Wimbledon titles this year, admitted that although the Saudi crowd supported Nadal, he aimed to give the veteran a chance to soak up the atmosphere.
Before Thursday’s encounter, Nadal made his last singles appearance at the Paris Olympic Games, where he was eliminated in the second round by his long-time rival Novak Djokovic. Nadal also partnered with Alcaraz in the men’s doubles at the Games and may team up with him again at the Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal is set to face Djokovic again on Saturday after the Serbian star was narrowly defeated by Jannik Sinner, who won 6-2, 6-7 (0/7), 6-4. Sinner, the Australian Open and US Open champion, will face Alcaraz in the final.
Looking ahead to the Davis Cup Finals, Nadal admitted uncertainty regarding his physical condition. “Emotionally I’m sure I will be ready. In terms of physically, in terms of tennis level, I mean (there) remains a month to prepare,” he said, adding that he would not hesitate to withdraw from singles if he felt unprepared.
