Rafael Nadal backs Carlos Alcaraz to 'beat anyone in the world' after losing at the Madrid Open to the teenager

Rafael Nadal graciously accepted defeat after being beaten by a teenager on clay for the first time in his Madrid Open quarter-final loss against Carlos Alcaraz, who he tips to continue beating the best players in the world. The 19-year-old fought through a mid-match ankle injury to progress 6-2 1-6 6-3 and set up a semi-final showdown with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Ad/> Speaking after the defeat, Nadal said: “The first thing is to congratulate him. First of all, happy for him, he has been better than me in various facets of the game and I need to improve these days. It is accepted naturally and calmly, with the certainty that there is a path to follow and arrive with real options to generate opportunities.

It is an easy defeat to digest, we knew what we were coming here for and we have to congratulate Carlos, he is playing well and I wish him the best for the rest of the tournament." ATP Madrid'It means a lot' — Alcaraz delighted with win over 'best player in history on clay' Nadal7 HOURS AGO Despite being sidelined for six weeks ahead of the tournament with a rib problem, and having to battle what he has described as a “chronic foot injury”, Nadal refused to make excuses for his exit in the Spanish capital. «I'm fine, I haven't had any problems. I'm not going to talk about my foot today, it's a day to accept defeat naturally.

I have to improve my ability to react, speed, dynamism, read and may my legs be with me,” he said. The 21-time Grand Slam winner admits he will be unable to let the defeat pass him by easily though, saying: “In the end, I'm the one who has to do self-criticism and be clear about what I have to improve. I need to hit the ball deeper, have the ability to turn with the drive more times and faster,