Rafa Nadal: The priority is to get out of Indian Wells unscathed and

Spanish journalists that Netflix has chosen to cover the exhibition that will take place this Sunday at the Michelob Ultra Arena in the city of Las Vegas.

Nadal was dressed completely in black and Alcaraz, 17 years younger than his idol, wore for the occasion a suit from the latest collection of Luis Vuitton, the brand of which he is the image.

Nadal’s current physical condition
“I don’t know how I am. Being really honest, because at this point I have no choice but to be honest, I haven’t played a set since Brisbane. I’ve had better and worse moments. The most important thing for me is that I’m here,” Nadal said.

“This is the reality. If I am here it is already good news. Two weeks ago, beyond the results, the goal was to play the match in Las Vegas and Indian Wells and I am closer to achieve it. I do not know at what level I will be in Indian Wells, but it is the least important thing today. I promise. For me it is important to spend a few days in Indian Wells and train with professionals.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Carlos in Las Vegas. The preparation for Indian Wells has been bad and for Brisbane it was good. I hope to play a set between this Sunday’s match and the three days I have left before my debut. For me the priority is to try to get out of Indian Wells unscathed. Whatever has to be left, leave it in the clay season, which may or may not be the last, I have not decided 100 percent.”

The physical mishap in Brisbane
“I was in the mix and when it happens, more than not playing the Australian Open, it is a step back because I have to stop again. I was playing well there and with good feelings. If I could have played in Australia and then in Doha, which was the planned schedule, beyond the results you are already in the wheel. When you are at an advanced age, if you stop, your body is no longer ready. If you play the body adapts to the loads. If you stop, there is more risk of injury. It is no longer just a matter of tennis level”.

Clay Court Tour
“At the moment, I’m considering playing in Indian Wells. I would love to play in Monte Carlo. And then, at this point in my career, I have to analyze how I am at every moment, the feelings I have and where I feel like playing the most. I will try to do what is best to reach my goals with some choice. I want to do the things that I really want to do to be happy.”

Possible farewell
“I’m not making any farewell because then I would say that I don’t play anymore. This is an important point and I don’t want to say it because it’s not 100 percent clear to me. How did you imagine my farewell? First of all, I didn’t imagine it because when you start to imagine something it means that you are closer to it. It was not something I had in mind. I would like to say goodbye well, being competitive and enjoying myself on the court. Whether that will be possible or not, time will tell. It is evident that the months and weeks are marking a path that is complicated. There are moments that are difficult to handle. Two weeks ago, when I could not go to Doha, it is another blow, but here we are. I’m going to give myself the opportunity to enjoy a little more.”

Then it was Alcaraz’s turn to respond to questions from the press conference.

On playing with Nadal
“It’s always nice. We have faced each other three times. There have been two good battles and the first one is better not to remember. It’s a good preparation ahead of Indian Wells to see what we have to improve, where our level is and keep learning from him as it’s a privilege to have him around.”