Carlos Alcaraz could not hide his emotions after Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis at the Davis Cup Finals.
Alcaraz spoke before the team event in Malaga began about wanting to honor Nadal's legacy by winning the Davis Cup alongside him. The 38-year-old has won the competition four times during his career.
However, fairytale endings rarely happen in sports. Team Spain was left stunned after the Netherlands ended Nadal's career by causing an upset in the quarterfinal on Tuesday.
After weeks of uncertainty, Nadal played in the opening singles match against Botic van de Zandschulp but was nowhere near the level seen throughout most of his career, allowing the Dutchman to secure a 6-4, 6-4 triumph.
Alcaraz kept Team Spain's hopes alive by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6, 6-3. The 21-year-old started nervously after Nadal's loss but regained his composure to level the tie at 1-1.
Spanish captain David Ferrer decided to pair Alcaraz with doubles expert Marcel Granollers in the final match, resisting the temptation to let Nadal and Alcaraz rekindle their doubles partnership from the Olympics.
Despite a great performance from Alcaraz, inspired play from Dutch player Wesley Koolhof and a lackluster showing from Granollers saw the Spaniards lose 6-7, 6-7, ending Nadal's career in the process.
Alcaraz was visibly devastated on the court after that defeat. The four-time Grand Slam champion had dedicated his singles victory to Nadal and wanted to extend his idol's career by another few days.
Unsurprisingly, Nadal significantly influenced Alcaraz's desire to become a professional player as a child. Their doubles partnership at the Olympics was a dream come true for the younger Spaniard.
Alcaraz also dreamed about becoming world No. 1 and winning Grand Slams as a young player. In a press conference after losing to the Netherlands, he highlighted how Nadal was a big reason those hopes became a reality.
"My dream has always been to be number one in the world and to win Grand Slams. A big part of that dream has been thanks to Rafa Nadal. When he was speaking I remembered when I was little and I saw him winning, with that passion, that joy… thinking that one day I would be there."
Nadal also inspired young players outside of Spain and even stars outside of tennis, proving that he transcended the sport to become one of the most iconic athletes ever.
Alcaraz posted on his social media platforms after Nadal's official retirement from tennis, saying the 14-time French Open champion was the best possible ambassador who left an eternal legacy.
"There will be many more Davis, there is only one Rafa. Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player. It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy."
Nadal's retirement was a sad moment for Spanish tennis, but fans in the country can take comfort in knowing that Alcaraz is now ready to take on the mantle as the country's biggest tennis star.
0 Comments