Carlos Alcaraz spoke to the media after succumbing to Nadal in an epic match that is now Indian Wells history. The Murcian tennis player praised the Balearic and made it clear that he is already closer to the best in the history of tennis.
Prepared
«From this tournament I take away that I am prepared to continue growing, to be among the best. I think I have the level to be among the top-10 and I have shown it in this tournament beating very good players and making it difficult for Rafa.
Very nervous
«In the first set I played very nervous. He was playing against Rafa and against me. But afterwards it was very close (…) In the second and third I said to myself, 'OK, I'm playing against Rafa but I'm going to show my level'. I'm going to give 100% to be able to beat him or be close to beating him."
Nadal
«At some moments I thought I was capable of beating him but Rafa has a thousand lives. If he was down, he is capable of playing at a high level in difficult moments. A couple of times I smiled a little because of some amazing points from Rafa. I think I enjoyed the game even though I lost."
Ready for the battles
“Now I have played more matches against top-10 players, big matches in big stadiums. I think now I'm ready for the battles. I am more mature. I know how to control emotions and how to play against these types of players."
