Rafael Nadal said one good thing about nearing the end of his career is that he will not have to face Carlos Alcaraz too many times after the 37-year-old Spaniard lost to his compatriot in an exhibition match here on Sunday.

Nadal, who has won 22 grand slam titles, added that the future of Spanish tennis was in good hands with the 20-year-old. Alcaraz has already won the US Open and Wimbledon and is ranked No.2 in the world behind Novak Djokovic.

“It’s a good thing that as a player I will not face him many times,” said Nadal, who expects to retire in 2024 after a series of injuries limited his appearances on the circuit. “As a fan, I will enjoy watching him for many years hopefully.

“He’s an amazing player. He’s only 20 years old and he’s already won two grand slams and a couple of important tournaments.”

Nadal, who spent almost a year on the sidelines with a hip flexor injury before suffering a muscle injury at the start of this season, said he felt “much better than expected” during the exhibition match.

He said he hopes to avoid any injury setbacks at Indian Wells, beginning on Thursday, so he can be fully fit for the upcoming claycourt season in what could be his final year on the ATP Tour.

“For me, the priority is to try to get out of Indian Wells unscathed,” Nadal said

“Whatever has to be left, leave it in the clay season, which may or may not be the last, I have not decided 100 per cent. At the moment things are going that way,” Nadal said .