Carlos Alcaraz reacts to Rafael Nadal retirement – ‘Even tougher for me’
Carlos Alcaraz conceded that Rafael Nadal’s retirement is “really difficult news for everybody” after his compatriot confirmed his career would end after the Davis Cup Finals.
Former world No 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal confirmed in a video message released earlier today that he would call time on his legendary career after action in Malaga this November.
Nadal was previously selected by Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer for the nation’s squad, with world No 2 Alcaraz also set to be in action.
The retirement announcement came shortly before Alcaraz stepped onto court for his Shanghai Masters quarter-final against Tomas Machac, a match he lost 7-6(5), 7-5.
Asked whether the news had bothered him pre-match, the 21-year-old insisted that it had no impact on his performance on court, but admitted the news was “even tougher” for him.
“Well, it was, honestly, I couldn’t believe it when I watch it,” said Alcaraz.
“You know, it didn’t affect me at all before the match. I didn’t get distracted at all, I was just really focused on the match, I didn’t think about Rafa’s news.
“But obviously when I watched it, it was tough to accept it. I was in shock a little bit. Thanks that I saw it like one hour before the match, so I had time to accept it and forget it a little bit before the match.
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“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 [a] 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.
“But we are going to play in Saudi Arabia, and then Davis Cup, so I’m going to try to enjoy as much as I can the time with him, but, yeah, it is a shame for tennis and for me.”
Nadal will play at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia – joining the likes of Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic – before the Davis Cup Finals in November.
The Spaniard last played at the Olympic Games, where he lost to Djokovic in round two of the singles and draw and in the last eight of the men’s doubles, playing alongside Alcaraz.
All eyes will be on whether Nadal and Alcaraz renew their partnership in Malaga.
Many had hoped the pair would team up once again at the Laver Cup, though the 38-year-old withdrew from the team event in Berlin due to ongoing fitness concerns.
