Nadal has been nominated to the Spanish squad for the finals on home grounds in Malaga.
Carlos Alcaraz welcomed Rafael Nadal’s admission to Spain’s Davis Cup team for the quarter-finals in November, expressing hope that the event in Malaga will not be the end of the 22-time grand slam champion’s career.
Nadal was a surprising choice for the November event. The 38-year-old last competed in the Paris Olympics in July and then missed the US Open and the Laver Cup this month due to physical concerns.
Nadal has stated that he plans to complete his injury-plagued career this year, after a hip issue that necessitated surgery curtailed his participation in 2023, and there is conjecture that the Davis Cup may be his final event.
“It’s always fantastic to have Rafa around. I miss him. I won’t lie: I missed him in the Laver Cup. “Obviously, spending as much time as I can with him is a privilege for me,” said Alcaraz, who played doubles with Nadal at the Paris Games.
“I don’t want to believe that this could be his last dance in Malaga. I really want to enjoy seeing him on court as often as possible.
“Having him on the team provides excellent assistance. He can bring a wealth of experience to the Davis Cup.
Nadal had planned to return to the Laver Cup before withdrawing, and he has not stated where he intends to play before the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who was knocked out by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open, said leading Team Europe to victory in the Laver Cup was ideal preparation for the China Open, which begins Thursday.
“I played great matches in the Laver Cup, which helped me a lot to have more confidence coming into this tournament,” Alcaraz told reporters in Beijing.
“I defeated Ben Shelton, who was playing quite well, and Taylor Fritz, who had just won the final in New York.
“Having those victories, it’s great for my confidence and level to come here with extra energy knowing I’m ready to do a good result, knowing that I have a really tough draw.”
