In a thrilling exhibition match, world number 2 Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious over 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the Netflix Slam held in Las Vegas.
The match, a part of a spectacle designed to showcase the legend versus prodigy narrative, did not disappoint, delivering high-octane tennis that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The contest kicked off with Nadal asserting his dominance early on, securing the first set 6-3 with a display of his vintage power and precision. However, Alcaraz bounced back in the second set with a 6-4 win to level the contest.
The moment Carlos Alcaraz won #TheNetflixSlam pic.twitter.com/AKJnnRv3AY
— Netflix (@netflix) March 3, 2024
The match culminated in a nail-biting 10-point tiebreak that had fans at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and those watching around the world holding their breath. Both players displayed incredible athleticism and determination, but it was Alcaraz who ultimately clinched the victory with a final score of [12-14] in the tiebreak.
Speaking after the match, Nadal called Alcaraz an amazing player, while adding that he’s happy that he won’t be facing Alcaraz much in his career.
“It’s a good thing that as a player I will not face him many times. As a fan, I will enjoy watching him for many years hopefully. In Spain, we should be very, very happy about having someone like Carlos coming. He’s an amazing player. He’s only 20-years-old and he’s already won two Grand Slams and a couple of important tournaments,” said Nadal.
In 2023, Nadal underwent a trying period due to consistent injury problems. A significant hip injury incurred during the Australian Open’s second round spelled an early termination of his season.
The hip injury was so severe that he required surgery, going through an arthroscopic procedure on his psoas muscle. Consequently, he had to take a five-month hiatus, withdrawing from several major tournaments including the 2023 French Open.
