The Spanish tennis ace shared a court with his compatriot for the first time at the Madrid Open in 2021 and he reflected on how daunting it was to come up against the icon.

Alcaraz told reporters: "It's difficult, honestly it's so difficult to face him. The first time in 2021 I honestly was so scared, I'm not going to lie.

"I couldn't play – his presence, that atmosphere, you feel it's unbelievable, it's difficult."

Alcaraz earned his first win over Nadal at the same tournament the following year and says facing his idol became a lot more natural through experience.

The Wimbledon champion said: "The next time we learned a lot just how to deal with that situation, we are tennis players, we learned a lot and you want to be the best you know.

"The next time I faced him I didn't feel as scared, I just wanted to beat him and just wanted to go for it and that's all you have to think about it but I'm not going to lie, it is difficult."

Alcaraz has often been compared to Nadal but wants to create his "own history" in the sport.

The world number three said: "As I've always said on more than one occasion, I don't want to take over from anyone.

"I feel lucky to have so many people supporting me behind me, transmitting that positive energy from the first game."