Carlos Alcaraz hopes Rafael Nadal can end his career with the Davis Cup title
There are rumors floating around about Rafael Nadal's final match being in doubles format with Carlos Alcaraz.
Follow Us
Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal (Image via X)
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz expressed his desire to make Rafael Nadal’s farewell at the Davis Cup Finals a winning one. This comes after Alcaraz’s early exit from the ATP Finals, where he lost to Alexander Zverev in straight sets. The 21-year-old fell 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to Zverev in his group-stage match in Turin, and no results later in the day could save him from being eliminated.
Alcaraz had a strong season, winning both Wimbledon and the French Open, but struggled to find his best form in Turin. He will now end his year in Malaga, alongside Nadal, as both prepare for the Davis Cup Finals next week.
Well, it is the last tournament of the year for me, probably one of the most special tournaments that I’m going to play. Last tournament of Rafa, I’ll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him…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.
Carlos Alcaraz said in the post-match press conference (via ATP Finals Turin Press)
Feliciano Lopez, the tournament director for the Davis Cup, confirmed earlier in November that a special ceremony will be held for Nadal. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will retire on home soil in Spain.
In Turin, Alcaraz never fully reached his potential and even considered withdrawing at one point. He played his final two matches wearing pink nasal tape after experiencing breathing difficulties during a training session on Tuesday (November 19).
Can Rafael Nadal end his career with the Davis Cup title?
Rafael Nadal is aiming for a dream farewell as he competes for Spain in the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will end his professional career at this tournament in Malaga. Many are eager to see how far the Spanish legend can go in his last event.
The Davis Cup Finals will be Nadal’s final appearance on the professional court. The 38-year-old will look to win his fifth Davis Cup title, having previously claimed victories in 2004, 2009, 2011, and 2019. Spain’s last title came in 2019, with Nadal playing a key role. Italy, the 2023 Davis Cup champions, will enter this year’s event as defending champions, led by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Sinner played a crucial role in Italy’s triumph last year, helping his team secure a 2-0 win over Australia in the final. He defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-0, following Matteo Arnaldi’s hard-fought victory over Alexei Popyrin. Italy now seeks back-to-back titles at the event.
The United States remains the most successful team in Davis Cup history with 32 titles, followed by Australia with 28. As the tennis world gathers in Malaga, fans and experts alike are eager to watch the major storylines unfold, including Nadal’s farewell and Italy’s title defense.
Stay Updated!
Fahad Hamid
(710 Articles Published)