Carlos Alcaraz’s idol, Rafael Nadal, called time on his illustrious career at the 2024 Davis Cup after Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands.
Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal (Image via X)
Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up for the Qatar Open where he will play his first match on Monday (February 17). While the youngster is competing on the tour to break many records and chase history, his idol, Rafael Nadal, is enjoying his life post-retirement.
Alcaraz however, hasn’t spoken to Nadal since the 2024 Davis Cup. The 22-time Grand Slam champion last played his singles match at the Davis Cup in Spain’s quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands. Nadal suffered a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Rafa and I have a very good relationship, but I haven’t spoken to him again since he retired from the Davis Cup. I think he deserves to be at peace with his family and enjoying the things that he couldn’t enjoy when he was playing.
Carlos Alcaraz told Diario SPORT
Alcaraz has met Nadal thrice on the tour and defeated him once, in the 2022 Madrid Open quarterfinals. The Davis Cup was Nadal’s penultimate official tournament of his career as prior to representing Spain in the prestigious event, Nadal joined hands with Alcaraz for the Paris Olympics.
He has been and is a great role model for me. I have seen that he has congratulated me on social media, but I have not yet had the chance to speak to him. I am sure that the time will come when I can do so.
Carlos Alcaraz added
Carlos Alcaraz projected to meet Novak Djokovic in Qatar Open semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz will enter the Qatar Open as a top seed as World No.1 Jannik Sinner, who was scheduled to play in the ATP 500 event, will be on the sidelines until May 4 due to his three-month suspension. Apart from Alcaraz, Djokovic too will headline the draw after making a quick recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered during the Australian Open.
Alcaraz and Djokovic are in the same half of the draw at the Qatar Open and are projected to meet in the semifinals. The Murcia native suffered a four-set defeat the last time he locked horns with Djokovic, in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
He also has to see how he is after the injury, although he has been seen training very well. We’ll see how the tournament goes, but in the end, a Grand Slam is different to a 500-category tournament like this one.
Carlos Alcaraz told Diario SPORT
Alcaraz is set to meet Marin Cilic in the opening round of the Qatar Open. Djokovic, the winner of the 2016 and 2017 Qatar Open, will play the tournament for the first time since 2019 and will be squaring off against Matteo Berrettini in the first round.
