Spanish tennis legend Nadal, who has been out of motion for a lot of the 12 months on account of damage, might bow out after this 12 months’s Davis Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed the addition of Rafael Nadal to Spain’s Davis Cup workforce for the quarterfinals in November and expressed hope that the occasion in Malaga is not going to mark the tip of the 22-times Grand Slam champion’s profession.
Nadal was a shock alternative for the November 19-24 last-eight stage. The 38-year-old final competed on the Paris Olympics in July and subsequently missed the US Open and the Laver Cup this month over health issues.
Nadal has mentioned he expects to finish his injury-plagued profession this 12 months after a hip damage that required surgical procedure restricted his appearances in 2023, and there was hypothesis the Davis Cup could possibly be his final occasion.
“It’s at all times nice having Rafa round. I miss him. I’m not going to lie, I missed him within the Laver Cup. Clearly, as a lot time as I can spend with him, it’s a privilege for me,” mentioned Alcaraz, who partnered Nadal in doubles on the Paris Video games.
“I don’t need to assume that it’s a possible final dance for him in Malaga. I simply need to … get pleasure from seeing him on courtroom as a lot as I can.
“It’s nice assist having him within the workforce. He can deliver numerous expertise to the Davis Cup.”
Will we see Nadalcaraz return in Malaga? 👀 🇪🇸#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/pvCnYcBcFO
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 23, 2024
Nadal had focused a return on the Laver Cup earlier than ultimately withdrawing and the Spaniard has not mentioned the place he plans to play earlier than the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who was shocked by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp within the second spherical of the US Open, mentioned guiding Staff Europe to victory within the Laver Cup was the proper preparation for the China Open, which begins on Thursday.
“I performed nice matches within the Laver Cup, which helped me lots to have extra confidence coming to this event,” Alcaraz instructed reporters in Beijing.
“I beat Ben Shelton, who was taking part in nice, and Taylor Fritz, who got here from the ultimate in New York.
“Having these victories, it’s nice for my confidence and degree to return right here with additional power figuring out I’m able to do a superb outcome, figuring out that I’ve a very robust draw.”