Carlos Alcaraz on Nadal’s farewell decision: “I don’t want to see him leave”

Carlos Alcaraz is ready to compete in the ATP Finals, though he hasn’t forgotten his next commitment in the Davis Cup, where he’ll join the legendary Rafael Nadal in his final event before retirement. Team Spain qualified for the Final 8 and will face the Netherlands in the opening round.

Just over a month ago, the 22-time Grand Slam champion announced he would be ending his career, with his last event set for the Davis Cup in Malaga. An ideal setting to say goodbye in front of his home crowd, though Nadal’s physical condition remains in doubt, leaving his participation in singles or doubles uncertain.

"I know the decision has already been made"

Team captain David Ferrer has kept plans under wraps, stating that if Nadal is physically fit, he would be the second singles player after Alcaraz, though he’ll wait until practice sessions to decide.

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As Alcaraz prepares for his ATP Finals opener against Casper Ruud on Monday in the Round Robin, the Spanish outlet Marca interviewed the 21-year-old player, asking him what it was like to be around Nadal just days after the former world No. 1 announced his retirement. “Did you try to convince him to continue playing for a while longer?” they asked.

“No, not really. I wish I could have. I know the decision has already been made,” responded the four-time Grand Slam champion. “I asked him if it was a tough day when he announced his retirement, if it was a hard decision to make. He said yes, but it was carefully thought out because these decisions aren’t taken lightly.

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“It was discussed with his family, with his team; it’s what he feels. If someone had told me that I had a chance of convincing him to continue, I would have done it, and I would have tried because I don’t want to see him off the court just yet,” Alcaraz added.

Alcaraz will be competing in the ATP Finals from November 11–17, should he advance to the final. A few days later, from November 19 onward, he’ll lead Team Spain, who last won the title in 2019, then led by none other than Rafael Nadal.