Novak Djokovic on 'amazing' Carlos Alcaraz, Real Madrid stars attend Rafael Nadal's exit - Madrid Open diary

A Spanish tennis feast If you want to get an idea of just how much hype surrounded Rafael Nadal’s quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz, look no further than the list of high-profile attendees that came to the Caja Magica on Friday. Ad/> The King of Spain, Felipe VI, made his first appearance of the week at the Mutua Madrid Open, making sure he did not miss that all-Spanish blockbuster showdown. ATP MadridTsitsipas enjoying 'being creative on the court' after beating Rublev in Madrid12 HOURS AGO Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez returned to the tennis for a second day in a row, while former Spain international David Villa was also in attendance.

/> Real Madrid duo Toni Kroos and Vinicius were spotted in the stands, just two days after they helped Los Blancos claim a place in the Champions League final. While Nadal is always a top attraction at any tournament, the Spanish crowd has also fully embraced Alcaraz, who has garnered a great deal of interest so far this week. During his last-16 win over Cameron Norrie on Thursday, former Real Madrid and Brazil star Roberto Carlos raved about the teen phenom when talking to Teledeporte between games.

In his press conference on Friday, Alcaraz, who defeated Nadal in three sets despite rolling his ankle early in the second, was asked about the coolest part of receiving such attention, as well as the toughest part. “It's never easy to play in front of such a big person watching you, but I’m trying to not think about it,” said Alcaraz, who had an entire stadium singing ‘Happy birthday’ to him on Thursday. “Just focus on the match, focus on what you have to do.

The coolest part is that they know you. They know your game. Well, knowing you, it's the coolest part.