After an exhibition match lost against the Spanish nugget Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, Rafael Nadal said he felt “much better than expected”, a few days before the start of the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. The Spaniard with 22 Grand Slam titles is trying to get back into shape after missing the Australian Open.
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is trying to return to the highest level after several injuries, felt “much better than expected” on Sunday during an exhibition match against his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. The two players faced each other at the Mandalay Bay Resort, a hotel-casino in Las Vegas, for a friendly match broadcast live on the Netflix platform, three days before the start of the Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.
DON RAFAEL NADAL PARERA. #ElSlamDeNetflixpic.twitter.com/6rLiRffcFN
— Netflix España (@NetflixES) March 3, 2024
“During the first set, I played at a good level,” emphasizes Nadal
“The level of tennis is one thing, the ghost of injuries is another,” said Nadal during the match, won by Alcaraz (3-6, 6-4, 14-12). “During the first set I played at a good level, even though it had been a long time since I had played (…) I felt much better than expected,” said the winner of 22 World Cup titles. Grand Slam, aged 37.
After missing almost the entire 2023 season, Nadal hopes to return to the highest level. He played in Brisbane in January before having to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a muscle injury.