“Thanks to him I…” Carlos Alcaraz shares the biggest learning experience he had watching Rafael Nadal over the years
Carlos Alcaraz has always been touted to match Rafael Nadal's legacy, but the young Spaniard has a long away to go.
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Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Open Source/X)
Carlos Alcaraz has often been open about the fact that he idolized Rafael Nadal while growing up. He has often sung the praises of the tennis legend. After Nadal bid farewell to tennis, the 21-year-old shared his biggest learning experience idolizing Nadal over the years.
Nadal played his final career match at the Davis Cup Finals on Tuesday,(November 19). The 38-year-old led Spain into the opening tie against the Netherlands, but lost in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp. Alcaraz brought the Spanish team back into the game but in the decisive doubles match, the Dutch team edged over Spain in a 2-1 victory.
After the match, legends and athletes from all over the world poured their tribute to Nadal following his retirement. However, Alcaraz, who has idolized the tennis legend, has been much closer to him in the past few months. He partnered with Nadal at the Paris Olympics, where they reached the quarterfinals before exiting the tournament.
During Alcaraz press conference at the Davis Cup, the 21-year-old paid tribute to his legendary compatriot. He also expressed gratitude to Nadal for the learning experiences he gained watching him over the years.
Rafa taught me the passion that is necessary for this life in tennis. I was lucky to have him by my side. If I could have arrived on the circuit earlier… But I will keep unforgettable moments from him. It is thanks to him that I wanted to become a tennis player.
Carlos Alcaraz said via Davis Cup Press
Nadal’s loss to Van de Zandschulp was his second defeat at the Davis Cup in his career. The Spaniard played 31 matches and won 29 of them. The last time he lost a match was in 2004 against Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak.
Carlos Alcaraz hopes to continue Rafael Nadal’s legacy despite being “almost impossible”
Carlos Alcaraz has always been applauded as the best player to continue Rafael Nadal‘s legacy on the court. The 21-year-old has achieved several records in tennis, including winning back-to-back Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon. He now has four majors which is a long way from Nadal’s 22.
After Spain exited the Davis Cup Finals, he was asked whether he would continue Nadal’s legacy. The Spanish youngster revealed that it will be difficult and almost impossible to do that but didn’t rule out the likelihood of it happening.
I don’t want to think that I should continue the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, you know, it’s time to say just great things about Rafa, what he has done during his career… Probably he was one of the players that put tennis in the top of sport in the top of the world.
Carlos Alcaraz said
Alcaraz ended the 2024 season with four titles and finished as World No.3. The Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam he has yet to win in his career, and he will aim to lift the title in January 2025.
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Victor Okechukwu
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