Boris Becker reacts as Carlos Alcaraz confirms "full power" clash with Rafael Nadal at Six Kings Slam

Rafael Nadal will be facing Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam, potentially marking the final on-court meeting between the two Spanish stars, delighted Boris Becker. The 21-year-old decimated Holger Rune 6-4, 6-2 to kick off his campaign at the exhibition event.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic received a bye to the semifinals in the inaugural edition of the exhibition event. While Jannik Sinner comfortably triumphed over Daniil Medvedev 6-0, 6-3 to set up a semifinal clash with Djokovic.

The 38-year-old recently stunned the tennis world when he announced that he would be hanging up his racket after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. This means that the Six Kings Slam could possibly be his penultimate tournament.

Currently, the 22-time Major champion leads the head-to-head between the two men 2-1. They also faced each other at the inaugural Netflix Slam, where Alcaraz prevailed.

During the on-court interview after his match against Holger Rune, Carlos Alcaraz was told that the 14-time Roland Garros champion was turning the heat up during his practice sessions and was asked if he was going to go all out when he plays his idol. Alcaraz said that he was going to go 'full power'.

As the clash was announced, Boris Becker took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his delight.

"The best tennis 🎾 news of today,"

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"Rafael Nadal was one of the reasons I wanted to become a tennis player" - Carlos Alcaraz gets emotional while talking about his 'idol'

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

During the on-court interview, Carlos Alcaraz got emotional talking about Rafael Nadal and said how he looked up to the 38-year-old since he was a kid. The 21-year-old was saddened by the news that his idol had decided to call it quits.

"Yeah. I watched his matches since I started playing. I look up to him. I grew up watching him. He was my idol. He’s still my idol. It’s a shame he’s retired he announced he’s retiring. A really important person for my life. For my career. He was one of the reasons. I wanted to become a tennis player. Knowing he’s retiring is tough for everyone. For me."

Alcaraz was ready to cherish his final clash with the 22-time Major champion even though it was going to be emotionally taxing for him and everyone.

"It’s a privilege playing against him once again. It’s gonna be tough for me. I’ll enjoy sharing the court with him once again. It’s really difficult for everyone."

The winner of their match will face either Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner.

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will join forces for the latter's swansong at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. They will be joined by Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, Marcel Granollers, and team captain David Ferrer.

Spain will take on the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on the 19th of November.