Carlos Alcaraz likely just played his tennis idol Rafael Nadal for the last time in their professional careers during Thursday's semifinal match of the Six Kings Slam. Although the score makes it look like Alcaraz ran away with the match at 6-3,

The hype surrounding the Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz match at 6 Kings Slam was justified, as many across the world logged onto X to watch it.

During an interview at the ‘Six Kings Slam’, Alcaraz was asked who has a better forehand between him and Nadal: "I am only starting my career, so for now I choose Rafa's. For now, but I am very happy with my forehand as well, so we will see at the end of my career who has the better forehand."

Rafael Nadal, in his first match since announcing he would be retiring after the Davis Cup next month, lost 6-3, 6-3 to Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam on Thursday.

Carlos praised his idol, admitting he sought a professional career after watching Rafa's matches while growing up. The young gun will try to enjoy the duel, although it will not be easy, considering it's the veteran's penultimate tournament in a career.

One player was very impacted by Nadal's retirement news—Carlos Alcaraz. The fellow Spaniard has shared throughout the start of his promising career how big of an inspiration and role model Nadal has been for him in his life. Alcaraz met Nadal at a very young age and even got to play doubles in the 2024 Paris Olympics with him.

Rafael Nadal starts his pre-retirement farewell tour against Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday at the Six Kings Slam, and Novak Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner at the exhibition event that awards money but no ATP ranking points and is Saudi Arabia’s latest foray into tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz will try to enjoy facing “idol” Rafael Nadal for one last time at an exhibition tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Alcaraz is in Riyadh for the lucrative 6 Kings Slam, which is not an ATP-sanctioned event but has Nadal,