2021 Madrid Open Second Round – Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz taking place? Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
When is Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz on and what time does it start? Wednesday 5th May, 2021 – Not before 14:00 (UK)
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
When the Madrid Open draw was announced this potential second-round encounter between 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz and five-time champion here Rafael Nadal was the match everyone wanted to see. As if it were written in the script, Alcaraz will face Nadal on 18th birthday this Wednesday and it will certainly be a party atmosphere with a boisterous home crowd ready to support the future of Spanish tennis and its current legendary hero. Alcaraz was sublime in beating Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-0 on Monday afternoon and if he plays like that against Nadal this could be an enthralling contest. World number two Nadal comes into Madrid off the back of a ship-steadying Barcelona Open title win and the 34-year-old should be in fine form for the remainder of the clay-court season en-route to his spiritual home, Roland-Garros.
This will be a first meeting full of emotion from an adoring crowd and that should give Alcaraz that one more shot in the rallies with Nadal, though the world number two will enjoy the occasion and the challenge just as much. Alcaraz will probably play the whole occasion floating on the Manolo Santana court and despite a likely dogged defence this should be Nadal’s first win of the campaign via straight sets.
