Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, like the rest of the tennis world, reacted to Rafael Nadal's announcement about his retirement.
Nadal announced his retirement from tennis on Thursday, October 10th, revealing that the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, Spain, running from November 19th to 24th, will be the last tournament of his tennis career.
Many currently active tennis players competing on the ATP Tour grew up watching the Spaniard, and over the years, many have explained how Nadal inspired them. Sinner and Alcaraz are among those players, and it wasn't a surprise that the two highest-ranked players on the ATP Tour paid tribute to the retiring legend.
Early on in his tennis career, Sinner spent a few weeks at Rafa Nadal Academy, learning from the 22-time major winner himself. He immediately remembered that experience when sharing his tribute message to Nadal.
"Thank you Rafael Nadal for everything you have given to the sport. To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget."
"To watch you work as an athlete but also get to know you as a person off the court was even more special. A true legend of the game who paved the way and taught so many of us how to be as a player and as a person. You will be missed on the tour!"
Naturally, Nadal also inspired Alcaraz. Coming from Spain, Alcaraz often saw his fellow Spaniard succeed, and he saw him as an inspiration. Although early on in his career he said that his idol was Roger Federer, by now, he had explained many times why Nadal was also his idol.
In his message, the 21-year-old shared how he went from watching Nadal on television to having a chance to stand next to him on the tennis court while they represented Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"From the child who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros, representing Spain in the Olympic Games!"
Alcaraz could possibly stand next to Nadal during his last tennis match. The 38-year-old will retire at the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, and it might be a doubles match that sends him into retirement.
The most beautiful scenario for Nadal would be if it were a final tie and a final doubles match that would decide it with Alcaraz standing by his side. Both are still very far from that, but the youngster already knows he will miss his idol after retirement.
"Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is unrepeatable! I have enjoyed you very much and I will miss you very much when you leave after the Davis Cup, Rafa!"
Sinner and Alcaraz will also get a chance to say these words to Nadal in person, as they will both be in Malaga for the Davis Cup Final 8. Many other legends, like Novak Djokovic, who already confirmed his presence, and Roger Federer, will very likely be there as well.
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