Carlos Alcaraz said winning the Davis Cup was a “huge motivation” for Rafael Nadal and would be the “most special” tournament of his career.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will play for Spain in the Davis Cup final in Malaga next week before retiring from tennis.
Spain face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on Tuesday looking for six titles, four of which have involved Nadal.
“It’s probably the most special tournament of my career because of what’s happening and what’s going on,” said Alcaraz, 21, who is ranked third in the world.
“The Davis Cup is a tournament I would love to win one day. I am passionate about representing Spain.
“Having Rafa by my side will be even more special knowing that this is his last tournament.”
Alcaraz made his Davis Cup debut in 2022, three years after Spain’s most recent title.
He and Nadal, 17 years his senior, teamed up in the doubles at the Paris Olympics this summer but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Nadal is set to retire as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind longtime rival Novak Djokovic.
“No player deserves to end his incredible career with a title and I know how special the Davis Cup is for him. It will be a difficult challenge, but winning is a huge motivation for Rafa,” Alcaraz told the ATP website. . .
He added: “For me at least, Rafa’s farewell is much more important. The Davis Cup happens every year. Rafa’s farewell to a legend of the sport, unfortunately, only happens once. I want to personally say Rafa’s farewell. I am very happy to say goodbye to him.”
