Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal put on a two-hour show in Las Vegas, with the ATP No. 2 beating his compatriot in a super tiebreak in the Netflix Slam showpiece match.

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael NadalPhoto: Candice Ward / Getty images / Profimedia

Rafael Nadal defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match

Alcaraz won the first match, which was broadcast live on the streaming platform, 3-6, 6-4, 14-12.

Rafa started the game better, but age and injuries took their toll and he started looking for the decisive shots earlier.

Returning to the pitch from a muscle injury sustained in Brisbane, the 37-year-old Iberian said he felt “better than expected” during the exhibition match.

With only three matches played in the last 15 months, Nadal showed a very good level of tennis and hit some impressive shots throughout the match.

Rafael Nadal: “It’s good that I won’t have to play Alcaraz many times”

At the end of the match, Rafa (22 Grand Slam titles) said it was good that he “won’t have to face Alcaraz too many times”.

“It’s good that as a player I won’t face him many times. As a fan, I hope to enjoy following him for many years to come. In Spain, we should be very, very happy that someone like Carlos is coming.

He is an extraordinary player. He is only 20 years old, and he has already won two Grand Slam tournaments and several important tournaments” – Rafael Nadalfor whom the 2024 season could be his last on the ATP circuit.

Alcaraz already has two major titles under his belt (US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023) and spoke about how Nadal has influenced his game.

“Mostly, I took the spirit of a fighter from Rafa. He does not give up a single point, runs after every ball and makes incredible shots. I had a few match points today and the way he saved one of them left me speechless.

This is what I try to take from him, so that the mentality is as close as possible to his. He finds fantastic solutions in moments of pressure, it’s great that he succeeds” – Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal and Alcaraz are expected to participate in the Indian Wells Masters tournament.