Carlos Alcaraz claimed Rafael Nadal leaves an “eternal legacy” after retiring at the Davis Cup. And the Wimbledon champion added: “There will be many more Davises, there is only one Rafa.”
The 22-time Grand Slam winner lost in his final match against Botic van de Zandschulp. And then the end of his career was confirmed when his Spain team were eliminated from the competition.
Nadal made a moving speech to the crowd and then broke down in tears during a video tribute from stars including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and David Beckham before a presentation ceremony.
And the Wimbledon champion then paid his own tribute in the post-match press conference. “I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis,” said Alcaraz. “His legacy is going to be eternal. You know, he has been great for tennis, for this sport in general.
“It is difficult, at least for me. I don’t want to think that I should continue the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, it’s time to say, you know, just great things about Rafa, what he has done,, during his career.
“I think he has said everything, but, you know, the way he left tennis, it is incredible. Probably he was one of the players that put tennis, you know, in the top of sport in the top of the world. So it is just great to have had Rafa in tennis and, in this period in my life.”
He later posted on social media: “There will be many more Davises, there is only one Rafa . Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player. It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy,” Alcaraz shared with his millions of followers on X (Twitter) and Instagram.”
Alcaraz tried to extend Nadal’s career on Tuesday night. Carlos Alcaraz won the second singles tie 7-6 6-3 against Dutch No.1 Tallon Griekspoor.
But the Wimbledon champion and Marcel Granollers then lost the deciding doubles 7-6 7-6 Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof just after midnight local time.
Alcaraz said: “I was there the three first games of Nadal’s match. I couldn’t handle the nerves, so I had to left and be ready for my match (smiling).
“If I would have stayed the whole match, probably I couldn’t play my match. So I just try to be focused on myself on try to put a good tennis I really wanted to do it for Rafa, and I should, you know, stay focused on my game, try not to think about, you know, Rafa’s last tournament, Rafa’s last match.
“I didn’t want to think about it. I just wanted to help the team as much I could. I wanted to try to, win both matches just to keep going, try to enjoy this week much more, but I couldn’t. But it wasn’t the extra pressure that knowing it was Rafa’s last tournament.”
Van de Zandschulp will go down in tennis history as the last man to beat Nadal. “I haven’t really thought about it, actually,” said the Dutch world No.80. “Of course it’s been different. I played him twice. Played him in Roland Garros, Wimbledon.
“I think he was a different player there, maybe physically. I thought today he was, I won’t say struggling, but of course you see he gets older, and the injuries are taking their toll, I think.
“So, yeah, I haven’t really thought about being the last man to beat Rafa, but maybe I will in a couple of days.”
