Carlos Alcaraz welcomed the addition of Rafael Nadal to Spain’s crew for the quarterfinal spherical of the Davis Cup finals in November and hopes the occasion in Malaga is not going to mark the tip of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s profession.
Nadal was a shock alternative for the Nov. 19-24 eight-team finals. The 38-year-old final competed on the Paris Olympics in July and subsequently missed the US Open and Laver Cup this month over health issues.
Nadal has stated 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 that the Davis Cup could possibly be his final occasion.
“It is at all times nice having Rafa round. I miss him. I am not going to lie, I missed him within the Laver Cup. Clearly, as a lot time as I can spend with him, it is a privilege for me,” stated Alcaraz, who partnered with Nadal in doubles on the Paris Video games. “I do not need to assume that it is a potential final dance for him in Malaga. I simply need to … get pleasure from seeing him on courtroom as a lot as I can.
“It is nice assist having him within the crew. He can deliver a whole lot of expertise to the Davis Cup.”
Nadal had focused a return on the Laver Cup earlier than ultimately withdrawing. He has not stated the place he plans to play earlier than the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who was shocked by unseeded Botic Van De Zandschulp within the second spherical of the US Open, stated guiding Group Europe to victory within the Laver Cup was the right preparation for the China Open, which begins Thursday.
“I performed nice matches within the Laver Cup, which helped me quite a bit 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 is nice for my confidence and degree to come back right here with additional power realizing I am able to do consequence, realizing that I’ve a very robust draw.”