Carlos Alcaraz beats Rafael Nadal, sets up semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic

MADRID: Carlos Alcaraz maintained his stellar journey by defeating Rafael Nadal and advancing to the Madrid Open semi-finals to face Novak Djokovic.

The 19-year-old Spaniard outhit five-time winner Nadal 6-2 1-6 6-3.

Alcaraz struggled to walk after injuring his right ankle in the second set, but he recovered to complete a remarkable victory.

Djokovic has previously defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 6-4.

During his spectacular rise, which has seen him win the Miami Open and break into the top 10 of the global rankings, Alcaraz has been compared to Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz has now defeated the 21-time Grand Slam winner for the first time in three matches.

After trading breaks, Alcaraz won five of the final six games, frequently out-hitting Nadal and out-foxing him with drop shots.

Early in the second set, after surviving three breakpoints, Alcaraz fell badly while slipping for a forehand and was had to take a medical timeout to have the injuries wrapped up.

However, he appeared to be having difficulty putting weight on his right foot, which hampered his serve, and Nadal duly broke and won four games in a row to force the third set.

After leaving the court at the end of the second set, Alcaraz returned with his first-set form, breaking Nadal to love to take a 3-1 lead.

He then put the game away with a bang, smashing a forehand past Nadal into the corner of the court before turning to face his box, stunned.

Alcaraz will now meet Djokovic, a three-time winner who has reached the tournament's semi-finals for the seventh time.

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