‘Enjoying Olympics doubles… I attempted to…’: Carlos Alcaraz drops staggering assertion on Rafael Nadal’s retirement

Carlos Alcaraz, who partnered Nadal in doubles in Paris 2024, had a wealthy tribute for the document 14-time French Open winner. Talking to ESPN, he stated, “It was a privilege for me, sharing the final moments of Rafa’s profession. Enjoying Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me.”

“I attempted to be taught and revel in each single second I used to be alongside him on the Olympic Video games. Sharing off the court docket moments, speaking with him about tennis. About life. I attempted to take some recommendation and classes I might be taught from that second.

“Clearly the Davis Cup, his final second on court docket, it was particular. It was particular for me. It was particular for everybody.

“Somebody like Rafa retired from tennis. It was troublesome to simply accept that my idol isn’t gonna play skilled matches once more. On the identical time, I attempted to take pleasure in that second,” he added.

Alcaraz is at the moment in motion in Melbourne, and his opponent for the fourth spherical isn’t confirmed but.

Nadal was ranked world No. 1 in singles for 209 weeks, and completed as year-end No. 1 5 instances. Throughout his glittering profession, he clinched 22 Grand Slam singles titles, and an Olympic gold medal. His 81 consecutive wins on clay is the longest single-surface win streak within the Open Period.

Nadal’s retirement sees solely Djokovic left within the Massive Three, which additionally had Roger Federer. Nadal confronted Djokovic 60 instances, greater than some other pair within the Open Period. The Spaniard leads 11-7 at Grand Slams and trails 29-31 general. In the meantime, he took on Federer 40 instances, and leads 24-16 general and 10-4 in Grand Slam matches.