Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat of five-time champion Rafael Nadal left a personal mark on the 19-year-old before the Spaniard went on to defeat Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, taking down three of the top five in the tennis world to win the Madrid Masters. 

Madrid Masters organizers were quick to share a photograph of Nadal with the young fan who’d go on to defeat him. 

The tournament’s youngest winner dominated with his forehand and rallies, until in the matchup against Nadal, he rushed the net on match point, landing a pinpoint delivery on the legendary Spaniard’s side of the court. The match ended after two and a half hours in a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory for Alcaraz.  

After his monumental win at Madrid, which puts Alcaraz in the same exclusive club as Argentine pro, David Nalbandian, he commented “I would say this is my best week ever. I mean, I beat two of the best players in history, beating Zverev in the final, a great player as well, No. 3 in the world.” 

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However, the Spanish youngster has been memorable long before this performance on clay. His stint in the US has been noteworthy too, becoming the youngest player to win the Miami Open after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas. 

Speaking about Alcaraz’s form ahead of this year’s Madrid Open, Nadal commented he no longer needed to look up to the 35-year-old as the youngster had already reached sporting heights. 

“When you are young, and when you are very good, the process is faster than the normal people”, Nadal said, continuing, “So he’s not a normal guy, like Novak was not a normal guy, like Roger was not a normal guy, and probably [I] was not a normal guy.” 

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As per Nadal, Alcaraz who’s risen to World No 6, will now be considered a favourite in every tournament he plays in. The Spaniard is next headed to Roland Garros after sitting out the Rome Open to allow his injuries – sustained during the face off against Nadal – to heal.