Carlos Alcaraz has promised to do everything he can to help Rafael Nadal end his career on a good note at the Davis Cup Finals.
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has stated that the team tournament in Malaga will be his final professional event.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner has already won five Davis Cup trophies with Spain, but most tennis fans wouldn’t mind seeing him win a sixth in his final tournament.
Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on November 19, and if they advance, they will face either Germany or Canada for a spot in the final.
It will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion, with several high-profile players, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray, scheduled to attend Nadal’s farewell.
Alcaraz understands that there will be pressure and has committed to “give everything”.
“I’d like to go without any emotional expectations. We want to win the trophy for Spain and for Rafa. So that his final event is how God planned,” the four-time major champion stated.
“I’m going to give everything for my flag, so that the last tournament of Nadal is as God commands.”
Alcaraz is likely to play in the singles, but it is unclear whether he will also play in the doubles with Nadal.
“I will play for Spain whatever it takes: singles, doubles and if there is a mixed, then the mixed,” stated the 21-year-old.
“If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it because playing for Spain is the best thing for me. To represent my country, flag, and fellow Spaniards… I’m going to do anything for my flag and my country.”
Nadal’s choice to retire was always going to be difficult for both tennis fans and Alcaraz.
The veteran was Alcaraz’s childhood hero, and he explained: “I asked him whether it was a tough day when he announced his retirement, if it was a difficult decision to make. He said ‘yes’, but it was a deliberate decision because such decisions are not made lightly.
“It was discussed with his family and team, and these are his feelings. If someone had told me that I had a chance to persuade him to stay, I would have done so and tried because I don’t want him to leave the courts just yet.”
