Rafael Nadal survives major Madrid Masters scare to set-up Carlos Alcaraz meeting

Nadal appeared to be cruising when he was a set up and 5-3 ahead in the second.

That went all the way to a tiebreak, with Nadal forced to save four match points en-route to a 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 win.

"I have to accept that things may not be easy. But I am happy with the victory.

"That's part of my life, and that's the downside of not being able to finish the match earlier. In the short term, I think I am fine, physically speaking."

"It was an unforgettable night," Nadal said. "The spirit that the Real Madrid team has is just incredible.

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