“There is a possibility that he could be with us in Malaga in November,” remarked Davis Cup captain David Ferrer about Rafael Nadal!
This thrilling news sparked great enthusiasm among fans who are eager for the Spaniard’s comeback to tennis following the Paris Olympics. Carlos Alcaraz, his Olympic doubles partner, who played a major role in advancing the Spanish Davis Cup team (currently in the Finals) to the Final 8 a few days ago, has sent a heartfelt tribute to his idol!
Due to his continued physical issues, Nadal, who previously stated his impending retirement, has been very choosy in his events this season, withdrawing from the US Open and Laver Cup. However, as the season comes to a finish, the 22 Grand Slam champion, who helped the Spanish team win the Davis Cup four times during his career, may return to the event! At least, that is what the Davis Cup captain, Ferrer, suggested. “I spoke with Rafa, but we don’t know anything yet… If he arrives in good shape in November, he will undoubtedly be a player to count on.
After hearing this, Alcaraz expressed the same feeling in an interview with Marca, saying, “I already heard that David declared that if Rafa was there, he was going to die with him. I hope I’m in good enough physical shape to travel to Malaga. It makes me really excited, and I hope Rafa will be there as well.” Alcaraz, who played with Nadal and reached the Olympics quarterfinals, went on to compliment his childhood idol, calling him “one of the greatest in the history of our sport.”
While he regretted losing out on the opportunity to play with Nadal in Berlin (Laver Cup), the 21-year-old player, who last faced Nadal at the 2022 Madrid Open, acknowledged to learning to play by watching the former World No. 1’s tennis since boyhood, describing him as a ‘special tennis player.’ Although Nadal has made no formal remark regarding his return to the Davis Cup, rumors surrounding his possible retirement at the event have become the talk of the town.
Despite the conjecture, Nadal has made one thing clear: he adores his compatriot, Alcaraz, particularly after his shocking loss at the US Open this season.
Rafael Nadal denies Carlos Alcaraz’s lack of mental strength after his US Open defeat
After the 2022 US Open champion’s dream ended in the second round in New York, the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted he was ‘not mentally well,’ and ‘not strong.’ It was a difficult moment for Alcaraz, who won consecutive Wimbledon and French Open titles but failed to win a gold medal in the Olympics despite qualifying for the finals, indicating that he needed to recuperate after such rigorous tennis competitions. Rafael Nadal, who had studied his game, did not believe so.
“I do not believe Carlos lacks mental strength…He feels a little fatigued and soaked from everything he has accomplished this summer.There comes a time when the mind requires some rest as well, because the schedule is considerably tighter and the demands are much higher during an Olympic year.”
Furthermore, in discussing his analogies to Carlos Alcaraz, he added that the Wimbledon champion is forging his own way and aims to make ‘history in the sport.’ However, as the Davis Cup approaches, Nadal hopes to be back with his compatriot soon, making history in the sport yet again!
