When Spain hosts the Netherlands within the Davis Cup quarterfinals in November, 22-time main champion Rafael Nadal will probably be one of many members of the five-man Spanish workforce. He’ll possible pair up with world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in doubles, rekindling the partnership dubbed “Nadalcaraz” on the Paris Olympics.
The competitors between Spain and the Netherlands will happen within the port metropolis of Malaga on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Alcaraz commented on Nadal’s inclusion on the Spanish Davis Cup squad and the likelihood that the event could be the final skilled tennis occasion for the 38-year-old legend.
“It is unbelievable to have Rafa on the workforce and to encompass myself with him as a lot as potential, studying each on and off the courtroom,” Alcaraz stated, through ESPN. “I do not wish to assume that it could be a potential ‘final dance’ for him in Malaga. I wish to benefit from the time I can have with him on and off the courtroom.”
Alcaraz has purpose to imagine that this will likely certainly be Nadal’s swan music. Again in Could of 2023, Nadal told reporters at a information convention in Manacor, Spain {that a} nagging hip harm would possible result in him winding down his skilled taking part in profession in 2024.
Nadal has spent 209 weeks because the top-ranked tennis participant on this planet. At present ranked No. 154, he has solely performed 19 event matches this yr, posting a 12-7 document. The final singles title he gained was the French Open in 2022.
The 21-year-old Alcaraz grew up idolizing Nadal. The 2 Spaniards have performed solely thrice head-to-head, with Nadal successful twice. Alcaraz admitted to reporters that he was considerably star-struck once they first performed each other.
Alcaraz, who has already gained 4 grand slam singles titles, added that Nadal’s inclusion on the Davis Cup workforce advantages Spain tremendously.
