Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz Madrid 2022 Preview and Prediction

This matchup would be the one everybody could have been ready for when the draw got here out final week. Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will play for the third time of their profession however this time many consider Alcaraz has a official likelihood of selecting up the upset – together with bookmakers who’ve this as a close to 50-50.

That perception for a lot of could have been strengthened by Nadal’s struggles towards David Goffin, a match he wanted over three hours to select up a 6-1 5-7 7-6 victory. He was a set and break up on this one however ended up having to avoid wasting match factors earlier than popping out on high. “On the finish of the day you’re struggling within the match. I at all times stated it many, many occasions. It’s a must to learn to dwell with these sort of moments, and in addition to get pleasure from this type of struggling,” he stated. “It’s what we work for, for thrilling moments.”

Alcaraz is now 25-3 on the 12 months with three titles together with two on clay. He’s on a seven match profitable streak proper now, most just lately beating Cameron Norrie in three units. The extent of enchancment from the 19 year-old over the previous 12 months has been unreal with losses to the likes of Jamie Munar and Marin Cilic coming at this similar time final 12 months.

Very similar to their Miami assembly, this one does really feel just like the momentum does favour Alcaraz. The one distinction right here would appear that bodily, Alcaraz is best ready given Nadal’s outing and low restoration time from a protracted match the place he was removed from his finest. The teen additionally appears to have the psychological toughness required to carry his nerve on the massive phases. Nadal dropped simply three video games when the 2 met right here final 12 months however now could not even be the favorite on one in all his favorite courts on the tour.

Prediction – Carlos Alcaraz in three units