The match, which took place in Riyadh at the Six Kings Slam, saw Nadal, 38, facing his younger compatriot and World No. 2, Alcaraz, in what was touted as a generational clash. Despite flashes of brilliance from the 22-time Grand Slam winner, Alcaraz secured a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory to advance to the final. The much-anticipated matchup held additional significance for Nadal, who had been absent from competition since the Paris Olympics, having recently announced that he would retire after a storied career in tennis.
During the post-match interview, Castle attempted a lighthearted moment, asking Alcaraz if they could “start with the loser,” referring to Nadal. While it was intended as a joke, it quickly backfired, with both fans and Alcaraz himself reacting strongly. Alcaraz, ever respectful of his idol, immediately interjected, requesting Castle not to use such language to describe the tennis legend.
Castle’s comment was met with widespread condemnation, especially on social media. Fans voiced their outrage on X (formerly Twitter), calling out the Brit for his lack of respect toward Nadal. One fan described Castle as “rude, obnoxious, and disrespectful,” while another was “embarrassed” by the interview, lamenting that Castle had also referred to Nadal as “old” on multiple occasions. The criticism continued with fans stressing that such language undermines the monumental efforts of both players during the match. As one fan put it, “Stop with the ‘loser’ nonsense. Both Alcaraz and Nadal played their hearts out. Respect their effort.”
What made the incident even more painful for Nadal’s supporters was the context. The Spanish icon, known for his grit and sportsmanship, is on the verge of retiring after more than two decades at the top of the game. His legacy is cemented with 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slam victories. For many, Castle’s choice of words during what is likely one of Nadal’s final appearances felt like an insult to the legend’s illustrious career.
Conversely, fans praised Alcaraz for his poise and graciousness in handling the awkward moment. His immediate defense of Nadal further solidified his reputation not only as a rising star in the tennis world but also as a respectful and honorable player. One fan called it a “classy response,” while another hailed the young Spaniard for showing that true legends shine on and off the court.
As the Six Kings Slam moves into its final stages, Alcaraz is set to face Jannik Sinner in the final, while Nadal will take on his long-time rival Novak Djokovic for third place. Fans eagerly await these matches, especially the showdown between Nadal and Djokovic, which is likely to be one of the last battles between two of tennis’ greatest players. However, Castle’s remarks have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory moment for Nadal’s incredible career. Fans will hope that such moments of disrespect are not repeated as the tennis world prepares to bid farewell to one of its most beloved figures.
