Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz Garfia: Will Alcaraz End Nadal's Winning Streak?

Nadal continues his insane winning streak. The Spaniard has won three tournaments on two continents in 2022. After defeating Zverev, Medvedev and Tsitsipas he is quoted as the main favorite of Indian Wells. The next opponent for the #4 will be the Spaniard's compatriot, the mega-talented Carlos Garfia Alcaraz, #19 of ATP.

As we expected, Nadal vs Kyrgios was a long, three-set match with a victory for the Spaniard. The match lasted almost three hours. Rafa won the first set on a tie-break 7:0, lost the second game 5:7, but still took the third 6:4. He served 10 times and made seven double faults, which was unusual for him. Nadal was obviously forced to take a big risk because Kyrgios was very good on the court. Nadal won 77% of his points on first serve and 53% on second. On the receiving end, he won 24% of the points on the first serve and 44% on the second one. Before beating Kyrgios, Nadal knocked out Korda, Evans, and Opelka from the California Masters. Nadal lost one game against Korda and two tie-breaks against Opelka.  

Believe it or not, Alcaraz also has a long winning streak. Before Indian Wells, #19 won the Rio de Janeiro clay tournament, defeating Diego Schwartzman in the final two sets. After Brasilia, the Spaniard played one match for his national team in the Davis Cup against the Romanian Copil, beating him in two games. Carlos played decently at the AO, where he knocked out Tabilo and Lajovic in the third round but lost in a five-set game to Berrettini. In California, Garfia did not lose a single set, eliminating MacDonald, Bautista Agut, Monfils, and Norrie. The young genius is in great shape and is preparing to give a proper fight to the Spanish legend and his childhood idol.

One of the Spaniards will end his winning streak. Nadal has over 20 victories, not losing in 2022. While Alcaraz has 10 wins, the series began in Rio. Still, Rafa in Indian Wells gave already two sets and was close to losing a game against Opelka. While Carlos is still on the market, beating the opponents in California 2:0, his rivals included such masters as Bautista Agut, Monfils, and Norrie.

Physically and technically, Alcaraz must fight Nadal, who seems to be on the decline after his Melbourne success. It's a question of Carlos' morals and mentality. Alcaraz failed his first official match against Nadal in Madrid. We hope that this time he will convince himself that Nadal is not a tennis god at all. Carlos can outplay him. If Alcaraz manages to prepare, then we will not be surprised not only Carlos won the set but also the match. 

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