In pictures: King of Spain, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and others watch Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz duel it out at the Madrid Open

The quarterfinal encounter between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2022 Madrid Masters on Friday was tipped to be a contender for Match of the Year and it did not disappoint.

The Spaniards matched each other shot-for-shot over the course of three sets in front of a packed crowd, before the World No. 9 pulled off a remarkable 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory over his childhood idol. In doing so, Alcaraz became the first ever teenager to beat the 21-time Grand Slam champion on clay.

In addition to witnessing history being made on Friday, the Manolo Santana Stadium also played host to a number of high-profile celebrities who showed up to watch two of the biggest names in Spanish tennis battle it out.

The surprise visitor of the evening was certainly Felipe VI, the King of Spain. The head of state was accompanied by tournament director Feliciano Lopez, who ensured that he was there in person to watch the match he was most excited for from the moment the draw was made.

The King of Spain with Feliciano Lopez at the quarterfinal match

Also there to watch Carlos Alcaraz take down the King of Clay were Real Madrid superstars Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr. Interestingly, Nadal and Alcaraz showed up at Real Madrid's Champions League semifinal against Manchester City a couple of days ago.

Raul, David Villa and Luka Modric seated courtside to watch Rafael Nadal take on Alcaraz

Sitting beside Modric and Kroos were two of the greatest Spanish forwards of all time, Raul and David Villa.

Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr. watching Alcaraz-Nadal trade blows of the highest order

Carlos Alcaraz will take on Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2022 Madrid Masters

Carlos Alcaraz takes on Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2022 Madrid Masters

Following his victory over Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz will attempt to beat a second member of the Big 3 on Saturday -- Novak Djokovic. The World No. 1 is slowly getting back into his groove, dismantling Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals to set up a meeting with the World No. 9.

Alcaraz and Djokovic have never faced off till date. The two practiced together a few days ago, but the stakes will be much higher this time around.