"It was difficult to accept my idol is not going to play again": Carlos Alcaraz admits conflicting emotions in Rafael Nadal farewell
ATP
Carlos Alcaraz produced one of the finest displays thus far at the 2025 Australian Open as he took down Yoshihito Nishioka to reach the third round as Nuno Borges awaits.
But Alcaraz who spoke afterwards was levied a different topic. He was asked about Rafael Nadal's farewell and the emotions he felt watching the Spaniard retire.
Nadal retired at the Davis Cup last year amid many tears and Alcaraz who played in a starring role in his final year including their Nadalcaraz partnership in doubles at the Olympic Games said it was conflicting.
He said on the one hand, it was a great moment but also difficult to accept that it was the end and that there would be no more Nadal. He also spoke about what he gleamed from the great 22-time Grand Slam champion throughout their time together.
“It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me. I tried to learn and enjoy every single second I was alongside him at the Olympic Games. Sharing off the court moments, talking with him about tennis. About life. I tried to take some advice and lessons I could learn from that moment," said Alcaraz as per ESPN.
"Obviously the Davis Cup, his last moment on court, it was special. It was special for me. It was special for everyone. Someone like Rafa retired from tennis. It was difficult to accept that my idol is not gonna play professional matches again. At the same time, I tried to enjoy that moment.”
But Alcaraz is also making his own history. He spoke on court after his win about wanting to win all four majors. “That’s one of the reasons I want to win this tournament one day. To put my name on that short list. I’m working every day just to be ready for that time. Hopefully this year. Day by day. Let’s see how it’s gonna feel. Right now I’m thinking about the next round. Hopefully I’m gonna get farther”
Carlos Alcaraz says it was difficult for him to accept that his idol, Rafa Nadal, wasn’t going to be playing professional matches anymore
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2025
“It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me. I… pic.twitter.com/xevwjflzgp
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