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'It was difficult to accept that my idol...' - Carlos Alcaraz looks back on Rafael Nadal's retirement

The 2024 Davis Cup was the final stage for the tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who played his final professional game in Spain's quarter-final defeat against the Netherlands back in November 2024.

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Pratyusha Bhawar
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Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Photograph: (Twitter)

The 2024 Davis Cup was the final stage for the tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who played his final professional game in Spain's quarter-final defeat against the Netherlands back in November 2024. His side, Spain, lost the tie 2-1, with their sole point recorded by tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. The 21-year-old Alcaraz has been there with Rafa, the best, for years, and with his idol Rafa in retirement, this time is for him to step into his shoes.

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Notably, the young tennis star was lucky enough to present on the last day of Nadal's retirement. In the same vein, the Spaniard recalls the moment that it was extremely tough for him to accept that his idol Rafael Nadal won't be playing any more matches.

Also Read: 'What can I say about it?' Carlos Alcaraz hails Joao Fonseca after 18-year-old Brazilian's famous 2025 Australian Open win

It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career: Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz has been making bold headlines with his performance in the 2025 Australian Open. The Spain-born star has successfully made it to the third round and is highly speaking about Nadal's retirement after winning the second round at Melbourne Park. The star player revealed that it was extremely privileged for him to share the stage with Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old star recalled his classic moments of the Paris Olympics and Davis Cup 2024.

Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz qualifies for third round after beating Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets

“It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. I tried to learn and enjoy every single second I was alongside him at the Olympic Games. Sharing off-court moments, talking with him about tennis. About life. I tried to take some advice and lessons I could learn from that moment. Obviously the Davis Cup, his last moment on court, 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 going to play professional matches again," Carlos Alcaraz said.

Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic breezes past Jamie Faria to reach third round

Tennis ATP Carlos Alcaraz Rafael Nadal Australian Open Paris Olympics Davis Cup
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