Carlos Alcaraz admitted that it was “difficult to accept” that Rafael Nadal’s career came to an end but highlighted that he was thrilled to know that he was a part of the Spanish tennis icon’s farewell.

Before the former 22-time Grand Slam champion retired, he and the current top-ranked Spanish male tennis player clashed in the Netflix Slam exhibition in Las Vegas.

Then, they played doubles together at the Paris Olympics and also represented Spain together at the Davis Cup Finals – which was the 38-year-old’s last pro tournament.

Right from Day 1 of his career, Alcaraz spoke highly about Nadal and the positive influence that he had on his own tennis journey.

When the record 14-time French Open winner was going through very challenging times in 2023 and 2024 due to injuries, the 22-year-old would always offer empathy and express hope that he could overcome his injury issues and return to his best.

Alcaraz: It was difficult to accept that my idol Nadal is not going to play pro tennis anymore

“It was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa’s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me,” the 21-year-old told ESPN’s Chris McKendry.

“I tried to learn and enjoy every single second I was alongside him at the Olympic Games. Sharing off the 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, it 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 gonna play professional matches again. At the same time, I tried to enjoy that moment.”

After Spain suffered a quarterfinal defeat to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Finals quarterfinal, Alcaraz didn’t hide his disappointment because he wanted to “give Nadal a title” in his last event.