I want Rafael Nadal to retire with a title – Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz wants Rafael Nadal to end his decorated career with a title. Alcaraz has always idolized Nadal while rising through the ranks and he is glad that he will be alongside his compatriot when he will step on the court for the last time in his glorious career.

Nadal, who has been struggling with injuries in the last couple of years, will play his last tournament at the Davis Cup, representing Spain at Malaga from November 19.

“It is the last tournament of the year for me, probably one of the most special tournaments that I’m going to play,” claimed Alcaraz. “Last tournament of Rafa, I’ll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him.”

Alcaraz continued, “The Davis Cup….is a tournament I really want to win one day. When I was a kid, I’d dream about winning the Davis Cup, for Spain. This year we have a really special chance to win it. I will try to help the team to win the Davis Cup for me.

“But I think it’s most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title. It’s going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me.”

Alcaraz also played with Nadal in the Paris Olympics but the Spanish duo failed to go all the way.

On the other hand, Alcaraz could not advance to the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals as he was beaten by Alexander Zverev on Friday in straight sets. The Spaniard was not at his absolute best due to illness.

“Well, it has been a difficult week, I guess, for me struggling with some physical problems, but at the same time it has been a really beautiful tournament,” said Alcaraz. “It is a privilege every time that I play this tournament, the best eight players of the world.

“I try to take the most of these matches. I will learn from this. I think I’ve played good tennis here this week. Today I faced one of the best players in the world, without a doubt, playing really solid and great tennis. I was there. Just a little bit disappointed, but happy anyway to have played this tournament once again.”

Spain will begin their Davis Cup Finals campaign on Tuesday against the Netherlands.