Carlos Alcaraz in denial over Rafael Nadal playing potential final tournament of his career at Davis Cup Finals 2024
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal share a close relationship, having shared the court both as opponents and partners. The youngster recently said that he hoped the 22-time Grand Slam champion wouldn't hang up his tennis racquet just yet.
During his press conference at the China Open, Alcaraz was asked about the possibility of Rafael Nadal playing his final tournament at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this November. In response, the 21-year-old mentioned the contributions Nadal has made to tennis in the country.
Alcaraz, who, along with Nadal, has been named in the Spanish team for the Davis Cup, said it’s always great to have the legend around before acknowledging that he would miss the five-time Davis Cup winner once he were to call time on his career.
"Well, obviously it's always great having [Rafael Nadal] around. Yeah, I miss him. I'm not going to lie, I miss him in the Laver Cup. Obviously, as I said, as much time as I can spend with him, for me it's a privilege," Carlos Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz went on to express hope that Nadal plays beyond the Davis Cup, saying he will cherish all the time that he can spend with the 38-year-old on or around the court.
"I don't want to think that it is a potential last dance for him in Malaga. I just want to think that I will trying to live or to enjoy his time around, to enjoy seeing him on court as much as I can," he added.
"It's going to be great for Team Spain" - Carlos Alcaraz on Rafael Nadal's presence in Davis Cup team
Carlos Alcaraz heaped further praise on his compatriot, claiming his presence offers great support to the Davis Cup team as he brings a lot of “experience” to the table. He added that any moment that Nadal shares with the team will be great before again expressing hope of it not being the last time that Nadal plays.
"Obviously it is a great support having him in the team. He can bring a lot of experience to Davis Cup. For me it's going to be my first Davis Cup Final. It's going to be a great experience for me," Carlos Alcaraz said.
"Yeah, have the chance to spend more time off the court, on the court, as well, with him, it's going to be great for Team Spain and I think for the country, as well, that we're playing in Spain.Yeah, I gonna enjoy that time. Hopefully it's not going to be the last time for him," he added.
Team Spain will take on The Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals’ knock-out stage in Malaga from November 19-21.