Alcaraz-Sinner and Nadal-Djokovic: new and old classics
“Saturday will be a great day. In the end, two more legends who dominated our sport for 20-25 years will play. And we, who create our own rivalryour own path, our own story. I think it will be a very good day for people to watch both games and enjoy themselves.”, Carlos Alcaraz told AS after defeating Rafa Nadal in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition tournament that culminates today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was referring to the repechage final that the Spaniard will play this Saturday (18:30, Movistar+ and DAZN) against Novak Djokovic. and to a title match with an exorbitant 5.4 purse for the winner, who will next play Jannik Sinner.
The organizers’ move could not have been better, because for dessert they will offer the audience two stellar matches, two classic ones, the old one, which is one of the two best in active history, and the new one.pitting two of today’s best tennis players against the dominant players of the 2024 tournament, stars who have equally shared four Grand Slam titles. “Obviously I will enjoy the match between Djokovic and Rafa, it will be the last time they meet each other.”Alcaraz stepped forward, noting that he did not feel like Manacori’s natural heir and did not want to endure such pressure.
“For me it is very difficult and almost impossible to fill the void that Rafa is about to leave. I don’t think I’m just another illusion of Spanish tennis. I just try to go out on the track, have as much fun as I can and give people as much fun as possible.”– he declares. “I’m very happy that the Spaniards are relieved after Raf’s departure, that they have someone to admire on the track and someone to see, and if I inspire them, that’s incredible to me.”continues. “But personally I don’t think he’s next, the chosen one or that he has to do anything to fill the void that Rafa is going to leave.”explains the miracle of El Palmar.
Face to face
This will be the fourth time that Carlos, who yesterday He shared a clinic for boys and girls with Djokovic.meets Sinner in an official head-to-head match, which he dominates with a score of 6-4. He Italiannotable and recent number one champion V Shanghaifailed to beat him in 2024. “Sinner is the best in the world right now and it will be a big challenge. Your year has been incredible.”– says the Murcian.
As for Djokovic and Nadal, they played 60 matches with a balance of 31-29 in favor of the Balkans.which was clearly imposed several months ago in second round belonging Games Olympic Games in Paris. “Seeing Novak in front of me is something nostalgic. We’ve faced each other a lot, so it’ll be fun to play against each other again. We hope we can put on a good show, play a good game and give people a good level.”said Rafa, who also spoke about the clash between Alcaraz and Sinner. “Yannick and Carlos have a wonderful present and will have a wonderful future. Hopefully they can shake off the injuries and create a great rivalry. At the moment, they seem to be above the level of others due to their ability to always be focused.”. The Venue will feature two paradigmatic matches of a great era and one more that points to greatness.
Follow the Diario AS channel on WhatsApp, where you will find everything about sports in one space: news of the day, agenda with the latest news about the most important sporting events, the most striking images, the opinion of the best AS. companies, reports, videos and a little humor from time to time.