Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he asked Rafael Nadal whether it was a 'hard day' when the tennis icon recently confirmed his retirement.
The 38-year-old confirmed last month that he would be walking away from the sport after a glittering career that has seen him win 22 Grand Slam titles.
Nadal will play for Spain at the Davis Cup later this month before hanging up his racket.
And Alcaraz, who is set to grace the court alongside the veteran, has admitted he's been left saddened by his compatriot's decision to call it a day.
Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he asked Rafael Nadal whether it was a 'hard day' when the tennis icon recently confirmed his retirement
PA
“I asked him if it was a hard day when he announced his retirement, if it was a hard decision to make," he said.
"He said ‘yes’, but it is a decision that is thought out because these decisions are not taken lightly.
“It was discussed with his family, with his team, these are his feelings.
"If someone had told me that I had a chance to convince him to continue, I would have done it and I would have tried because I don’t want to see him out of the courts yet.”
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When Nadal does play for the last time, tennis icons are set to be in attendance.
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are set to watch the action unfold, with Nadal dreaming of Davis Cup glory.
And Alcaraz has admitted he's eager to deliver to give his countryman the best possible send-off.
“I want to go without any emotional expectations. We want to win the title for Spain and also for Rafa. So that his last tournament is as God intended," he continued.
“I’m going to give everything for my flag, so that the last tournament of Nadal is as God commands.
“I will play for Spain whatever it takes: singles, doubles and if there is a mixed, then the mixed.
“If there is anything I’m there to do my bit because playing for Spain is the greatest thing for me.
"To be able to represent my country, my flag, all Spaniards… I’m going to give everything for my flag and for my country.”
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Carlos Alcaraz has been left saddened by Rafael Nadal's decision to retire from tennis
PA
Nadal has led Spain to five Davis Cup titles over the years.
Their first victory came back in 2004, when the tennis star was still a teenager, while their last was in 2019.
There have been some concerns that Nadal may not be fit enough to play in the singles one last time.
Yet his uncle, Toni, has downplayed those fears and insists his nephew is working at a 'very high level'.
Carlos Alcaraz has vowed to give his all for Spain as he prepares for the Davis Cup
PA
"I’ve been watching him in training in recent days and I can say that he’s training at a very high level," he told Radio Marca.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him in such good shape."
