Spanish tennis legend Nadal, who has been out of motion for a lot of the yr on account of harm, might bow out after this yr’s Davis Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed the addition of Rafael Nadal to Spain’s Davis Cup workforce for the quarterfinals in November and expressed hope that the occasion in Malaga won’t mark the tip of the 22-times Grand Slam champion’s profession.
Nadal was a shock selection for the November 19-24 last-eight stage. The 38-year-old final competed on the Paris Olympics in July and subsequently missed the US Open and the Laver Cup this month over health issues.
Nadal has stated he expects to finish his injury-plagued profession this yr after a hip harm that required surgical procedure restricted his appearances in 2023, and there was hypothesis the Davis Cup may very well be his final occasion.
“It’s at all times nice having Rafa round. I miss him. I’m not going to lie, I missed him within the Laver Cup. Clearly, as a lot time as I can spend with him, it’s a privilege for me,” stated Alcaraz, who partnered Nadal in doubles on the Paris Video games.
“I don’t wish to suppose that it’s a possible final dance for him in Malaga. I simply wish to … get pleasure from seeing him on court docket as a lot as I can.
“It’s nice help having him within the workforce. He can convey numerous expertise to the Davis Cup.”
Will we see Nadalcaraz return in Malaga? 👀 🇪🇸#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/pvCnYcBcFO
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 23, 2024
Nadal had focused a return on the Laver Cup earlier than finally withdrawing and the Spaniard has not stated the place he plans to play earlier than the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who was shocked by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp within the second spherical of the US Open, stated guiding Group Europe to victory within the Laver Cup was the right preparation for the China Open, which begins on Thursday.
“I performed nice matches within the Laver Cup, which helped me rather a lot to have extra confidence coming to this match,” Alcaraz advised reporters in Beijing.
“I beat Ben Shelton, who was enjoying nice, and Taylor Fritz, who got here from the ultimate in New York.
“Having these victories, it’s nice for my confidence and degree to return right here with further vitality understanding I’m able to do an excellent outcome, understanding that I’ve a very powerful draw.”
