Alcaraz enjoyed the encounter against his great compatriot and idol, admitting everyone in the stadium wanted Rafa to win. The four-time Major winner acknowledged Nadal's tennis legacy and the fact he brought so many people into tennis, hoping to do the same during his career.

Carlos Alcaraz likely just played his tennis idol Rafael Nadal for the last time in their professional careers during Thursday's semifinal match of the Six Kings Slam. Although the score makes it look like Alcaraz ran away with the match at 6-3, 6-3, the 21-year-old admitted he still had to play his best in order to beat the 22-time major champion.

Caught on camera, Carlos Alcaraz and his entourage was seen processing the stunning news of Rafael Nadal's retirement.While gearing up for his Shanghai Masters quarter-final, the world No.2 learned that the tennis legend,

Carlos praised his idol, admitting he sought a professional career after watching Rafa's matches while growing up. The young gun will try to enjoy the duel, although it will not be easy, considering it's the veteran's penultimate tournament in a career.

One player was very impacted by Nadal's retirement news—Carlos Alcaraz. The fellow Spaniard has shared throughout the start of his promising career how big of an inspiration and role model Nadal has been for him in his life. Alcaraz met Nadal at a very young age and even got to play doubles in the 2024 Paris Olympics with him.