Six Kings Slam 2024: Carlos Alcaraz copies Rafael Nadal's pre-game routine; Fan brings up Harry Potter comparsion

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of Six Kings Slam.

The Six Kings Slam has continued to provide fans with endless entertainment. During the second semi-finals Carlos Alcaraz was seen performing a similar warm up routine of Rafael Nadal at the net. Alcaraz did Nadal’s signature jump before the match began as fans drew comparisons of Harry Potter. The youngster had earlier performed the jump against Nadal during their ‘Netflix Slam’ match in March this season.

In the sixth installment of the fantasy film ‘Half-Blood Prince’, Potter is seen using a spell against his Hogwarts professor Severus Snape. He almost casts the ‘sectumsempra’ spell which Snape invented. The professor then says the famous dialogue, ‘You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? The same reference had been used for Alcaraz with Nadal.

Alcaraz has always considered Nadal as his idol and even partnered the legend during the Paris Olympics 2024 in men’s doubles. The duo went on to reach the quarterfinals while losing to eventual finalists Austin Krajicek/ Rajeev Ram of USA.

The world No #2 went on to defeat Nadal in straight sets to reach the final of Six Kings Slam. But Nadal did display moments of magic as he volleyed and hit monstrous inside out forehands with a roar. The crowd loved the intense exchange between the two Spaniards as few rallies were long and excruciating.

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Even though the 38-year-old was affected by injuries, he made sure Alcaraz did not have an easy passage into the record-breaking final. Alcaraz will next clash against Jannik Sinner in the final as the winner stands to win $6m (about INR 51 crores). The Six Kings Slam has offered the players the highest prize money in the sport yet. All participants will be receiving 1.5m (about INR 13 crores). 

The final will be held on October 19 after the third place playoff match featuring Novak Djokovic and Nadal. It will be the final meeting between the pair as they had first met in 2006 in the French Open which Nadal won.

The match will also be Nadal’s pre-farewell as he will be retiring during the Davis Cup Finals 2024 in Malaga, Spain next month. This time the occasion calls for a much lighter battle as Djokovic and Nadal will hope to deliver in terms of entertaining the crowd in Riyadh.

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