Carlos Alcaraz did not hide his desire to win the Davis Cup for Rafael Nadal in recent comments at the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz will try to stay focused on the ATP Finals, a hugely significant tournament in its own right, until the Davis Cup Finals. The Spaniard does not expect to be more nervous about the ATP Finals despite its importance, though.
However, it might be challenging for Alcaraz to forget about the Davis Cup Finals because it will be Nadal's final appearance before ending his tennis career, which has spanned more than 20 years.
Nadal retired when he realized he could not overcome repeated injury problems in the last two years. The 22-time Grand Slam champion made several attempts to reach his past level, but it was too significant a challenge.
In encouraging news, Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, stated in a recent interview that his nephew is training at a high level before the Davis Cup Finals. That could allow him to play singles and doubles at the event.
Alcaraz and Nadal's renewal of their doubles partnership from the Olympics seems very certain. The two played some great tennis together at the Olympics despite being knocked out in the quarterfinal by Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.
Speaking at the ATP Finals, Alcaraz does not want to go into the Davis Cup Finals with any emotional expectations for Nadal's final appearance but feels the 38-year-old winning the Davis Cup before he retires would be as god intends it.
"I want to go without any emotional expectations. We want to win the title for Spain and also for Rafa. So that his last tournament is as God intended. I’m going to give everything for my flag, so that the last tournament of Nadal is as God commands."
Alcaraz revealed he asked Nadal if it was challenging to announce his retirement. The 14-time French Open champion told him it had been tough, but he clearly thought long and hard about the move.
"I asked him if it was a hard day when he announced his retirement, if it was a hard decision to make. He said ‘yes’, but it is a decision that is thought out because these decisions are not taken lightly."
"It was discussed with his family, with his team, these are his feelings. If someone had told me that I had a chance to convince him to continue, I would have done it and I would have tried because I don’t want to see him out of the courts yet."
The 21-year-old also discussed how much representing Spain means to him, saying it is the greatest thing. Playing for his country in Nadal's last appearance will only make it more special.
"I will play for Spain whatever it takes: singles, doubles and if there is a mixed, then the mixed. If there is anything I’m there to do my bit because playing for Spain is the greatest thing for me. To be able to represent my country, my flag, all Spaniards… I’m going to give everything for my flag and for my country."