Carlos Alcaraz knows Rafael Nadal's final professional appearance at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga will be one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Nadal announced last month that he would retire after the Davis Cup Finals. He has won the team event four times throughout his legendary career, and this year's finals being held on home soil makes it a fitting place for him to say goodbye to professional tennis.
It is not certain how much Nadal will feature in Malaga. Most expect him to renew his doubles partnership with Alcaraz from the Olympics, but he has not committed to playing in the singles.
Team Spain's quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands is scheduled for November 19th. The Spaniards are the favorites to win the tie and would face Germany or Canada if they prevail.
Alcaraz's presence is the most significant reason Team Spain is the favorite. If the 21-year-old is at his best, he will undoubtedly secure one of the two victories needed to make the semifinal.
Hopefully, Alcaraz will be fit and healthy for the Davis Cup Finals. The four-time Grand Slam champion struggled with an illness throughout the ongoing ATP Finals in Turin.
Alcaraz needed to defeat Alexander Zverev to keep his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals semifinal alive. He lost to the German in a competitive contest despite competing well after being ill throughout the tournament.
The world No. 3 was left to rue some minor mistakes that cost him the match. Still, Alcaraz might take encouragement from a performance that was better than his previous contests at the ATP Finals, and he could be back near his best in Malaga if he fully recovers from the illness.
Alcaraz idolized Nadal as a child. Playing at the Davis Cup Finals with him would be a significant moment for the Spanish No. 1 no matter what, but Nadal's retirement afterward makes it even more special.
Speaking to the media after losing to Zverev at the ATP Finals, Alcaraz discussed how special the occasion will be and how much he wants Nadal to retire with his fifth Davis Cup title.
"Well, it is the last tournament of the year for me, probably one of the most special tournaments that I'm going to play. Last tournament of Rafa, I'll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him. But I would think that it is the Davis Cup."
"It is a tournament I really want to win one day. When I was a kid, I'd dream about winning the Davis Cup, for Spain. This year we have a really special chance to win it. I will try to help the team to win the Davis Cup."
"But I think it's most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title. It's going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me."
The Davis Cup Finals will be most emotional for Spanish fans, but Nadal's millions of passionate supporters worldwide will also find his last professional appearance poignant.