Carlos Alcaraz looks back at the last moments of his ‘idol’ Rafael Nadal’s professional tennis career
Carlos Alcaraz is looking to become only the second Spaniard after Rafael Nadal to win the Australian Open.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (via X)
Carlos Alcaraz has reflected on the emotional retirement of his idol, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. The younger Spaniard, who has won four Grand Slam titles, described Nadal’s retirement as “difficult to accept.”
Nadal ended his tennis career after Spain’s Davis Cup campaign last year, where they lost to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. The left-hander played his final match against Botic Van De Zandschulp.
It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me. I tried to learn and enjoy every single second I was alongside him at the Olympic Games. Sharing off the court moments, talking with him about tennis. About life. I tried to take some advice and lessons I could learn from that moment. Obviously the Davis Cup, his last moment on court, it was special. It was special for me.
Carlos Alcaraz said in an interview on ESPN
Alcaraz and Nadal faced each other only three times on the ATP Tour, but their relationship extends beyond those matches. The two Spaniards gained attention for their iconic doubles pairing at the Paris Olympics, where they reached the quarterfinals. They were also expected to play together at the Laver Cup last year, but Nadal withdrew at the last minute and was replaced by Grigor Dimitrov.
It was special for everyone. Someone like Rafa retired from tennis. It was difficult to accept that my idol is not gonna play professional matches again. At the same time, I tried to enjoy that moment.
Carlos Alcaraz added
There has been significant discussion about Nadal’s retirement ceremony in Valencia. Many former and current players, including Novak Djokovic, criticized the Davis Cup organizers for not handling the occasion appropriately.
Carlos Alcaraz says it was difficult for him to accept that his idol, Rafa Nadal, wasn’t going to be playing professional matches anymore
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2025
“It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me. I… pic.twitter.com/xevwjflzgp
Carlos Alcaraz eases into the Australian Open third round
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz came close to setting a personal record for the fewest games lost in a Grand Slam match during his dominant win over Yoshihito Nishioka at the Australian Open. The Spaniard won 6-0, 6-1, 6-4, dropping just five games. This was only one more than the four games he lost against J.J. Wolf at Roland Garros last year.
In the second round, Alcaraz showed a perfect mix of power, precision, and finesse. He dominated the first set, losing just four points. The Spaniard won the first nine games of the match before Nishioka finally held serve. The Japanese player shared a light-hearted moment with the crowd after winning his first game.
The crowd in Margaret Court Arena cheered when Nishioka smiled and celebrated his hold by hitting a ball into the air. It was a fun moment in an otherwise one-sided match, as Alcaraz displayed his superior skills throughout the contest.
Alcaraz, who remains unbeaten against left-handers at Grand Slam events with an 8-0 record, finished the match in just 1 hour and 22 minutes. He hit 14 aces and did not face a single break point. In contrast, he faced four break points in his first-round win over Alexander Shevchenko.
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Fahad Hamid
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