Spanish tennis legend Nadal, who has been out of action for most of the year due to injury, could retire after this year's Davis Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed the addition of Rafael Nadal to Spain's Davis Cup team for the quarter-finals next November and has expressed his hope that the event in Malaga will not mark the end of the 22-time Grand Slam champion's career.
Nadal was a surprise choice for the round of 16 from Nov. 19-24. The 38-year-old last competed at the Paris Olympics in July and subsequently missed the U.S. Open and Laver Cup this month because of fitness issues.
Nadal has said he hopes to end his injury-plagued career this year after a hip injury requiring surgery limited his appearances in 2023, and there has been speculation the Davis Cup could be his final event.
“It’s always great to have Rafa around. I miss him. I’m not going to lie, I missed him at the Laver Cup. Obviously, spending as much time as I can with him is a privilege for me,” said Alcaraz, who partnered Nadal in doubles at the Paris Games.
“I don’t want to think that it’s a possible last dance for him in Malaga. I just want to… enjoy watching him on the pitch as much as I can.
“It is a great support to have him on the team. He can bring a lot of experience to the Davis Cup.”
Will we see Nadalcaraz return to Malaga? 👀 🇪🇸#DavisCup image.twitter.com/pvCnYcBcFO
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 23, 2024
Nadal had planned to make a comeback at the Laver Cup before eventually pulling out and the Spaniard has not said where he plans to play before the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who was defeated by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open, said guiding Team Europe to victory at the Laver Cup was the perfect preparation for the China Open, which starts on Thursday.
“I played some great matches at the Laver Cup, which helped me a lot to gain more confidence going into this tournament,” Alcaraz told reporters in Beijing.
“I beat Ben Shelton, who was playing very well, and Taylor Fritz, who was coming off the final in New York.
“Having achieved those victories is great for my confidence and my level to come here with extra energy knowing that I am prepared to get a good result, knowing that I have a really difficult draw.”
