Carlos Alcaraz reveals he hasn’t met Rafael Nadal or spoken with him since the Spanish tennis icon’s farewell at the Davis Cup Finals.
In mid-November, the former 22-time Grand Slam champion ended his astonishing tennis career by representing Spain one more time.
Unfortunately for the 38-year-old but also the locals who packed the entire venue in Malaga, it wasn’t a dreamy end for the former world No. 1 after Spain was upset by the Netherlands in the quarterfinal stage.
After Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening singles match, Alcaraz gave his nation another chance by beating Tallon Griekspoor.
But then, Spain’s comeback bid fell short after the current world No. 3 and Marcel Granollers lost to van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in the deciding doubles match.
Alcaraz: I haven’t spoken to Nadal since but the time for that will surely come
In an interview with Spanish publication AS, the 21-year-old was asked what’s his relationship now with the record 14-time French Open winner.
“Well, in the end we have a good relationship,” the four-time Grand Slam winner told AS.
“After his withdrawal from the Davis Cup I haven’t spoken to him again, but the truth is that he deserves to be at peace with his family, enjoying the little things that he might not have been able to enjoy when he was playing.
“He has been a great role model for me and he still is. I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet, but I’m sure the time will come and there will be some message.
“I have seen that he congratulated me on social media and so on, but we haven’t spoken in person yet.”
After arriving in Malaga, Alcaraz didn’t hide that he wanted to lead Spain to the Davis Cup title because he wanted to give his idol the best possible farewell.
But after it ended the way it did, the 21-year-old was left heartbroken and devastated.
However, knowing Nadal, he certainly appreciated very much Alcaraz’s efforts.
Tennis World USA