Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Málaga to join the Spanish squad, which will play the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Final 8, a day after losing in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. This competition is always unique, but since it will be Rafael Nadal’s final tournament as a professional, it will be especially significant this time.
Alcaraz shared his remarks about playing Davis Cup with Nadal and said: “It’s probably the most special tournament I’ll play in my career, because of what’s happening, because of the circumstances. 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. Having Rafa by my side, knowing it’s his last tournament, will make it much more special. 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. It will be a difficult challenge but winning it for Rafa is a huge motivation.”
The 21-year-old Alcaraz is certain of the goals for the upcoming week, understanding that Nadal’s farewell is a special occasion in his life.
He further said: “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. 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.”
Alcaraz earned two singles points in Valencia against Tomas Machac in the match against the Czech Republic and Ugo Humbert in the series against France and one in doubles teaming up with Marcel Granollers to defeat Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek to help Spain advance to the Final 8.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently the world no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 15th of November when he was defeated by world no.2 Alexander Zverev 7-6(5) 6-4 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
During this season Carlos achieved a composed 53-13 record. The Spaniard conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Alcaraz reached the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will come up against the world no.365 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never played each other till now in top events.
The Spaniard has won 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Carlos got to the final in Paris (Olympics).
The Spaniard won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently the world no.155, the Spaniard played his last match on the 29th of July when he surrendered to world no.6 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This season the Spaniard achieved a 12-7 win-loss record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant achievement of the current season was getting to the final in Bastad.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal squared off 3 times. Their actual record is 2-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time they competed against each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
Here the video highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
At the moment ranked no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 15th of November when he lost to world no.2 Alexander Zverev 7-6(5) 6-4 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This season Carlos has an overall 53-13 win-loss record. Alcaraz conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Alcaraz got to the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will take on the world no.365 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . In the past, they have never competed against each other as of now on the main tour.
The Spaniard clinched 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Alcaraz got to the final in Paris (Olympics).
The Spaniard won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently the world no.155, Nadal played his last match on the 29th of July when he was overcome by world no.6 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This year Nadal achieved an overall 12-7 match record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant result of this season was getting to the final in Bastad.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal faced off 3 times. Their head to head is 2-1 for Nadal. Before, the last time they competed against each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |