“I did it for Rafa,” Carlos Alcaraz dedicates his win over Tallon Griekspoor at the Davis Cup to the retiring Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz beats Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 6-3 to keep the Spanish hopes in the Davis Cup tie against Netherlands.

“I did it for Rafa,” Carlos Alcaraz dedicates his win over Tallon Griekspoor at the Davis Cup to the retiring Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz felt stressed watching Rafael Nadal play what could be the final singles match of his career on Tuesday, November 19. The 38-year-old Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, putting Spain on the brink of elimination.

When Alcaraz stepped onto the court to face Tallon Griekspoor, he focused completely on his task. The young Spaniard secured a 7-6, 6-3 victory and later dedicated his win to Nadal during his post-match interview.

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Nadal and Alcaraz have shared a special bond both on and off the court, even before Alcaraz’s breakthrough in 2022. While they have only faced each other three times on the ATP Tour, their relationship extends far beyond their matches.

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I did it for Rafa.

Carlos Alcaraz in the post-match interview at the Davis Cup

The pair also teamed up to represent Spain in doubles at the Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, their run ended in the quarterfinals.

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Carlos Alcaraz keeps Spanish hopes alive at the Davis Cup

Carlos Alcaraz has a reputation for excelling under pressure and rising to the occasion. He proved this once again in a crucial match for Spain at the Davis Cup.

Carlos Alcaraz7
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

The 21-year-old defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 on Tuesday evening, tying the quarter-final against the Netherlands at 1-1. Earlier in the day, Rafael Nadal had lost to Botic van de Zandschulp, putting Spain on the verge of elimination. Alcaraz stepped up and turned the match around after trailing 2-4 in the first set with his usual brilliant and aggressive play.

A standout moment was Alcaraz’s dominant tie-break performance, where he won 7-0. This marked the second time he achieved a perfect tie-break against Griekspoor, bringing his Lexus ATP Head2Head record against the Dutchman to 5-0.

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Alcaraz will now team up with Marcel Granollers for the decisive doubles match. They are set to face Wesley Koolhof, who is retiring after this tournament, and Van de Zandschulp to determine which team advances.