Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, October 10, 2024
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
king of clay Rafael Nadal It is famously said that pain is a prerequisite for Grand Slam success.
Carlos Alcaraz Nadal said retirement was a painful prospect for him and the sport
more: Rafael Nadal announces retirement from tennis
Alcaraz was upset by the 23-year-old 7-6(5), 7-5. Thomas Machach At the Rolex Shanghai Masters today, he was asked how he reacted to Nadal’s announcement that he would officially retire after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga, Spain, next month.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who joined Nadal in the Nadalcaraz doubles dream team at last summer’s Paris Olympics, said the king of clay was not only his idol but also inspired the young Carlitos to pursue a professional tennis career.
“It was hard to accept, I was a little shocked,” Alcaraz said of Nadal’s retirement announcement. “Thankfully, I saw it about an hour before the game, so I had time to accept and forget a bit before the game.
“It’s really difficult, really difficult news for everyone and even more difficult news for me. He’s been my idol since I started playing tennis. I respect him.”
“Proudly, it was because of him that I wanted to become a professional tennis player. In some ways, losing him will be difficult for us, so we will try to enjoy him as much as possible when he plays.”
The good news is that Spanish superstars will be members of Spain’s Davis Cup squad next month.
Spain captain David Ferrer defeated Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreño Busta, Marcel Granollers and Nadal in Malaga, Spain. was included in the eight-team squad for the Davis Cup finals to be played November 19-24 at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena.
Captain Ferrer said Nadal is already training for the Davis Cup Final 8 and plans to participate in the 6 Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia next month as part of his Davis Cup preparations.
Ferrer told Spanish media: “I am very happy to be joining Rafa and very proud of this team and what we have achieved so far. I hope I can bring great joy to Malaga.” “There are still two months left, but his idea is to play in the Saudi Arabia exhibition and he is preparing. He is already training on the court and that is important.”
“It’s possible he’ll do something else, but his schedule from today is to do an exhibition. The level will be very high, so he’ll have to prepare well. If Rafa told me he wanted to participate, I think it would be okay because Malaga is very honest. do.”
Alcaraz said he would enjoy his final moments on the court with his tennis idol, mentor and friend.
“But we are playing in the Davis Cup against Saudi Arabia, so I will try to enjoy as much time as possible with him, but it is a shame for tennis and for me.” Alcaraz said.
