But Nadal will be hoping to stop Alcaraz from replicating his success at the French Open, as the world No 4 will be gunning for a record-extending 14th title in Paris and 22nd Grand Slam overall. He is currently playing just his second tournament after a six-week injury layoff for a fractured rib and got off to a winning start against Isner 6-3 6-1 in the second round.
He will now face Denis Shapovalov in the round-of-16, a rematch of their three-set battle in the exact same round of the Italian Open last year, in which Nadal saved two match points. Recalling the clash, he said: “Last year I was very lucky, he had me in his hands. It was almost a miracle.” Meanwhile, Alcaraz withdrew from the Rome Masters to rest after his triumph in Madrid and will next be in action at the French Open.