MADRID.- “Your legacy is unrepeatable.” The Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz (current number two in the ATP ranking) paid tribute this Thursday to his idol Rafael Nadalwho announced his retirement in November after the Davis Cup finals in Malaga.
“From the boy who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros representing Spain in the Olympic Games,” Alcaraz highlighted in an emotional message published on his social networks, which he accompanied with two photographs with Nadal, first when he was a child and then during his participation in Paris 2024.
“Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is unrepeatable! I have enjoyed you very much and I will miss you a lot when you leave after Davis, Rafa!” added Alcaraz, shortly after losing in the quarterfinals. final of the Shanghai Masters 1000 against the Czech Tomas Machac (N.33).
Alcaraz also spoke about Nadal’s announcement from the Chinese city: “When I saw it, it was hard to accept it. I was a little shocked,” admitted the Murcian, who learned the news shortly before taking the court.
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Likewise, the young sensation pointed out that it is particularly hard to see Nadal leave with the great love he feels for the discipline of which he was king on many occasions.
“Seeing him leave tennis, even though he loves it, is painful, it hurts me,” added the 21-year-old tennis player, considered his successor.
The two players, who participated in the Olympic doubles tournament, could repeat next month in the Davis Cup in Malaga, from November 19 to 24.
“I will try to make the most of the time I spend with him to be able to enjoy his last moments on a court as a tennis player,” Alcaraz concluded.