Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed Rafael Nadal’s accession to Spain’s Davis Cup team for the quarter-finals in November, hoping that the event in Malaga will not be the end of the 22-time grand slam champion’s career.
Nadal was a surprising selection for the November 19-24 Final Eight. The 38-year-old last competed in the Paris Olympics in July and then missed the US Open and the Laver Cup this month due to physical concerns.
Nadal has stated that he plans to complete his injury-plagued career this year, after a hip issue that necessitated surgery curtailed his participation in 2023, and there is conjecture that the Davis Cup may be his final event.
“It’s always great having Rafa around. I miss him. I’m not going to lie, I missed him in the Laver Cup. Obviously, as much time as I can spend with him, it’s a privilege for me,” said Alcaraz, who partnered Nadal in doubles at the Paris Games.
“I don’t want to think that it’s a potential last dance for him in Malaga. I just want to … enjoy seeing him on court as much as I can.
“It’s great support having him in the team. He can bring a lot of experience to the Davis Cup.”
Nadal had targeted a return at the Laver Cup before eventually withdrawing and the Spaniard has not said where he plans to play before the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who was stunned by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round at Flushing Meadows, said guiding Team Europe to victory in the Laver Cup was the perfect preparation for the China Open, which begins on Thursday.
“I played great matches in the Laver Cup, which helped me a lot to have more confidence coming to this tournament,” Alcaraz told reporters in Beijing.
“I beat Ben Shelton, who was playing great, and Taylor Fritz, who came from the final in New York.
“Having those victories, it’s great for my confidence and level to come here with extra energy knowing I’m ready to do a good result, knowing that I have a really tough draw.”
