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Alcaraz, one of many young stars inspired by the gargantuan legacy of Nadal, is eager to send the icon off on a high with the Davis Cup title in a tribute to the legendary Spaniard’s career.
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz. (X)
Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz expressed the depth of desire to clinch the Davis Cup as legendary Rafael Nadal is set to take his bow from the sport at the team event.
The iconic southpaw, who has managed to clinch a whopping 24 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, will drop the curtains on his time as a professional in a watershed moment for the sport.
Alcaraz, one of many young stars inspired by the gargantuan legacy of Nadal, is eager to send the legend off on a high with the Davis Cup title in a tribute to the Spaniard’s career.
“It’s probably the most special tournament I’ll play in my career, because of what’s happening, because of the circumstances,” Alcaraz said.
“The Davis Cup has always been a tournament that I’d love to win one day, I’m passionate about representing Spain. I’ve said it many times: one of the greatest things in the world is being able to represent your country in any field,” he continued.
“Having Rafa by my side, knowing it’s his last tournament, will make it much more special,” Alcaraz said.
‘I’ll try to contribute and help the team any way I can – for me, for Spain and especially for Rafa. No player deserves more to finish the incredible career he had with a title, and I know how special the Davis Cup is for him,” he reiterated.
“It will be a difficult challenge but winning it for Rafa is a huge motivation,” he added.
Nadal was named in the Spain team for this Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga and he will look to build on a sensational record in this competition that has seen him win 29 of 30 singles matches and eight of his 12 doubles matches.
Nadal has an incredible record of winning 29 of his 30 outings in the Davis Cup and Alcaraz emphasised the magnitude of the tournament citing Nadal’s farewell.
“Rafa’s farewell is much more important, at least for me. The Davis Cup is every year. Rafa’s farewell, saying goodbye to a legend of the sport, unfortunately only happens once. The Davis is very important, representing your country and trying to win it for Spain, but personally I’m very excited to be by Rafa’s side for his farewell,” the 21-year-old said.
Alcaraz reflected on Nadal’s iconic game against Andy Roddick early in his career as a crucial juncture in the legend’s journey and how ecstatic it would be to be able to send the 38-year-old riding off into the sunset with a win.
“And the fact that it’s in the Davis, which is a very important tournament for him, virtually where he started his career with that victory against Roddick… Being able to retire in this competition is special, and it is for me, too. It will be an incredible event because of the occasion and hopefully, it will end with the title,” he concluded.