Carlos Alcaraz has expressed his disappointment at missing out on the “unique opportunity” to learn more from Rafael Nadal during the Laver Cup.
Alcaraz and Nadal were scheduled to compete for Team Europe in Berlin this weekend, but Nadal withdrew due to lingering fitness issues.
Many fans had hoped that the two would reunite for doubles action, continuing the ‘Nadalcaraz’ combo that ignited the Paris 2024 Games less than two months ago.
However, with the older of the two Spaniards no longer participating, four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz says that he will miss the opportunity to learn more from his colleague.
He told Marca, “Rafa is one of the finest in the history of our sport. For me, he is my idol; he was the one I watched matches with as a child.
“I wanted to learn as much from him as I could while we were together. I’ll miss him in Berlin because it was a rare opportunity to continue learning from him.
“It would have been incredible to replicate here in Berlin. When they announced the team and I realized Rafa was coming, I was overjoyed to share the locker room with him once more.
“Here at the Laver Cup, we are all much closer together, and it would have been an unforgettable experience. I’m going to miss him, and I hope he returns to the courts soon when he feels well.
“I hope we meet at some tournament soon.”
It is unclear when and if Nadal will play again, although there is optimism that he will represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga before the end of the year.
Spain captain David Ferrer hinted earlier this week that it was a possibility, and now Alcaraz hopes it will come true.
“I heard David say that if Rafa was there, he would go all out with him,” the 21-year-old explained.
“I hope I’m physically fit enough to go to Malaga. I’m extremely pleased about that, and I hope Rafa will be there as well.”
Alcaraz’s Laver Cup campaign begins on Friday, although he will not play singles.
The reigning French Open and Wimbledon winner will team up with Alexander Zverev to face Team World’s Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz.
Earlier in the day, Casper Ruud and Grigor Dimitrov will both compete.
