{"id":19879,"date":"2025-01-17T03:14:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T03:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=19879"},"modified":"2025-01-17T03:14:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T03:14:16","slug":"carlos-alcaraz-admits-it-was-difficult-to-accept-rafael-nadals-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=19879","title":{"rendered":"Carlos Alcaraz admits it was ‘difficult to accept’ Rafael Nadal’s retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

Alcaraz: It was difficult to accept that my idol Nadal is not going to play pro tennis anymore<\/h2>\n

\u201cIt was a privilege for me, sharing the last moments of Rafa\u2019s career. Playing Olympics doubles with him. It was a masterclass for me,” the 21-year-old told ESPN’s Chris McKendry.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“Obviously the Davis Cup, his last moment on court, it was special. It was special for me. It was special for everyone.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n