All-time Slam king Rafael Nadal continued his recent win streak by posting a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Carlos Alcaraz in the BNP Paribas Open semifinals on Saturday, extending his career-best start to 20-0 and giving him a chance to win his fourth title at the tournament.
Despite losing the second set, our champ managed to stay calm and finished the match in very windy conditions after three hours of play. With today’s win, Rafa is projected to overtake Alexander Zverev for No. 3 in Monday’s ATP singles rankings.
“I think he started playing amazing; it was so difficult to stop him,” Rafa said of his 18-year-old countryman. “In the second the conditions became crazy; it was so difficult, everything. In the third I think I played much better; I tried to be more aggressive. I am super happy to be in the final; it means a lot to me.”
Continuing his quest for a record-tying 37th Masters 1000 crown, Rafa will meet No. 20 Taylor Fritz in Sunday’s final. The American reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final earlier today when he defeated seventh seed Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4.
There can be only one magnificent winner Raffa
I saw him at the Australian open. Phenomenal.
I do not know how he keeps so calm and not show anger, like some other players.
I’m sure it’s put down to his training from a young boy. Plus up bringing beautiful wife, who seems to be very calming and supportive. I’m sure he’s very happy.
Plus his determination and love of the sport.
Who wouldn’t want to he the best player ever. Just incredible congratulations Raffa.
From Australia 🇦🇺 Anita
Huge Congratulations Rafa, such a hard fought match for both of you but so happy that you got the win and wish you the best of luck in the final, Vamos x
They gave everything on the court. Too bad it only can be one winner, but Rafa is in the final and I’m wishing him to bite that trophy for the fourth time.
Amazing semi final, both were so good kept you on the edge of the seat. This is the present and future of tennis! But for now, Rafa is still the raging bull! 37th coming up – good luck!
Congratulations Rafa the Master and also to the young Student. An amazing SF. Dreadful conditions for you both. Buena Suerte Rafa in Final v Taylor. Vamos
You are #1! Now and forever. Buen suerte!
Best match for Rafa after Aus open 22 final
Congratulations Dear Rafa…
ENHORABUENA!!! Rafa, gran partido, suerte para la final, vamos!!!
What a historic match🤗such incredible shots from both players. The wind can be a dervish in the Tennis Garden, but you mastered it! Rafael Nadal-nothing short of mesmerizing. Congratulations-stay healthy-all the best tomorrow👏👍🤛💪🍀🎾❤️
Well done Rafa Nadal u is my number 1 player I will be watching and rooting for u tomorrow get some good rest for tomorrow
ONE more TIME RAFA!!!!! on the hard court no less!!!! You have proved champion ship on the hard !!! o
One more time with courage tomorrow!! Vamos,man!!!
All hail King Rafa, All hail prince Carlos. What a match!!!👏👏👏👏🙏
Rafa faced federer’s shotmaking and forehand + Djokovic’s backhand and his own speed and defensive skills when he was 19 and won. Rafa’s big point mentality was stunning as was his net play and volleying. Well done Rafa, rest for the final and hope you recover in time.
Vamos RAFA Good Luck for the Final
Well the master gave the student a lesson today. However, Carlos played so well it was like watching Rafa 15 years ago at times. I expect great things from him in the future. But as far as Rafa is concerned – it’s 20 – 0 and on-going. Well done on a great semi-final and how they both got through that wind in the 2nd set was amazing. One more match Rafa and you’ll be biting another trophy we hope. Good luck.
Congrats to Rafa on winning his SF’s match.
Looking forward for him to lift his 37th ATP Masters 1000 title trophy.
He’s on fire. 🔥 20-0 winning streak this year WOW.
That performance from Rafa is what separates the mens from the boys.
Good lock in the finals. VAMOS RAFA
What a match👏👏👏 Big respect to both players. The wind was very tough, for me they should have stopped the match in the second set.
Take rest Rafa and than go for it tomorrow. You can do it again❤️ Last match on hardcourt and than we move to clay😉