Carlos Alcaraz has seemingly transitioned into Spain’s next top tennis player following the retirement of his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal.
Just thee months after winning his 22nd Grand Slam at the 2022 French Open, Alcaraz won the first of his four majors at the US Open.
Fast forward three years and the 21-year-old and his team were left emotional when they were filmed watching Nadal’s heartfelt video message announcing the end of his career.
Alcaraz was heavily influenced by the 38-year-old as a youngster and this is evident in the way he approaches the game, how he conducts himself and aspects of his playing style.
Like the rest of the sporting world, Alcaraz will wave Nadal off into the sunset and he will have a prime opportunity to do so when they team up at the Davis Cup Finals in November.
What is Carlos Alcaraz’s favourite memory of Rafael Nadal?
Carlos Alcaraz has had more opportunities than most to spend time with Nadal and build a relationship with him.
They share a bond of being Spain’s two greatest male players, and he has competed with and against Nadal in his young career so far.
While he will forever cherish those memories, Alcaraz recalled his very first meeting with Nadal at the age of 15 as his most cherished moment.
“My favourite Rafa memory apart from watching him winning all the tournaments and other stuff,” he told Stan Sport.
“I have this special memory of when I helped him to film a commercial when I was 15 years old. It was the first time that I saw him in real life and it was special for me.”
What did Carlos Alcaraz say about Rafael Nadal’s retirement?
When it was announced that Nadal would be part of Spain’s Davis Cup finals squad, Alcaraz hoped it would not be the final event of the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s career.
But Alcaraz’s fear has come true and he will be part of the Spanish team that will say farewell to Nadal in November.
He took to social media to share a picture with Nadal when he was younger and Alcaraz issued a heartfelt tribute to Nadal.
“From the child who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros representing Spain in the Olympic Games,” he wrote.
“Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is unrepeatable! I have enjoyed you very much and I will miss you very much when you leave after the Davis Cup, Rafa!”
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