Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz says he learnt a lot about “fighting spirit” from Rafael Nadal after playing his childhood idol at Indian Wells last month.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable two seasons on the ATP tour and has already won four tournaments, including recording breaking title wins at the Rio Open in February as well as at the Miami Masters last month.

The young Spaniard tasted even more success last week as he claimed the Barcelona Open title this week – his first tournament win in his home country on the ATP tour.

As a result, Carlos Alcaraz has a 23-3 record in 2022 and one of those losses was a three-sets defeat to compatriot Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of Indian Wells in March, which lasted three hours and 12 minutes.

Reflecting on their semi-final clash, the new world number nine Alcaraz said he has learnt never to give up and to fight until the end, taking inspiration from the 21-time Grand Slam winner.

In a recent interview, the man from Murcia said, “I learned about the fighting spirit, of never giving up.

“Many people will have also seen the Australian Open match, he was losing and came back almost miraculously.

“From that match against him [at Indian Wells] I get the fighting spirit, never give up and fight until the last ball.

The tenacious teen also went on to discuss comparisons made between him and Nadal, with Alacaraz believing it shows he is making steps in the right direction in his tennis career.

“Little by little I’m taking it more normal and I’m getting better and better. If they compare you with Rafa it’s because I’m doing things right.”

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