WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz & team turn emotional after finding out about Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement for the first time at Shanghai Masters
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and his team got emotional after finding out about Rafael Nadal's retirement from professional tennis. The Spaniard is expected to conclude his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, set to begin on November 19, 2024.
Alcaraz was recently seen competing in the Shanghai Masters, where he reached the fourth round. Despite a spirited effort against Tomas Machac in the last 16, he was eliminated by the Czech in straight sets, 7-6(5), 7-5.
The youngster was spotted alongside his teammates in the Shanghai Masters locker room when Nadal provided an update on his social media. He was visibly moved after hearing that his idol had called the curtains on his remarkable tennis career.
Here is the video of Alcaraz and his team in the Shanghai Masters.
Alcaraz and Nadal represented Spain in the Summer Olympics this year. The duo reached the quarterfinals in Paris but were eventually eliminated by Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the United States of America.
The 21-year-old needed some time to accept the news provided by Nadal and spoke about how the Spaniard motivated him to become a professional tennis player.
"It is a really difficult thing, really difficult news for everybody, and even tougher for me. He has been my idol since I start playing tennis. I look up to him. Proudly, thanks to him, I really wanted to become professional tennis player. Losing him, in a certain way, is going to be difficult for us, so I will try to enjoy as much as I can when he's going to play," Carlos Alcaraz said in his post match interview in Shanghai.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have faced each other three times on the main tour, with the former leading their head-to-head battle 2-1. Both players are set to feature in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh this month alongside Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev. The three-day exhibition tennis event will begin on October 16, 2024.
"Thank you so much for being an example on every level" - Carlos Alcaraz shares a heartfelt tribute for Rafael Nadal amid his retirement
Carlos Alcaraz has shared an emotional message for Rafael Nadal following his retirement announcement from professional tennis.
Nadal captured 22 Grand Slam titles during his career, including a record 14 titles in the French Open. He also clinched the Gold Medal for Spain in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in men's singles and the 2016 Rio Olympics in men's doubles.
Alcaraz penned an emotional note for his idol via Instagram and thanked him for being a role model to many on a global level.
"From the boy who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player, to who had the immense gift of playing by your side in Roland Garros representing Spain in an Olympic Games! 🥲," Carlos Alcaraz wrote (Translated from Spanish).
"Thank you so much for being an example on every level, your legacy is unrepeatable! ❤️ I enjoyed you very much and I will miss you a lot when you leave after the Davis, Rafa! @rafaelnadal," he added