Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s autograph jerseys from the 2024 Paris Olympics have been displayed at the former’s museum in Manacor, Mallorca, immortalizing their pairing. The duo wrote heartfelt personal messages for each other, expressing gratitude for their dream run.
Amid many doubts over the 38-year-old’s participation at the Olympics, Alcaraz had expressed his desire to compete alongside his idol at the prestigious event on many occasions. After much deliberation, it was finally confirmed that the blockbuster duo was set to become a reality. This news caused shockwaves throughout the tennis fraternity.
The 21-year-old even asked the fans to give a name to their pairing and made sure that the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s name came first. He finally picked the name ‘Nadalcaraz’ for the team.
The duo kicked off their campaign in impressive fashion, ousting the sixth-seeded Argentinian duo of Maximo Gonzales and Andres Molteni in straight sets. They followed it up with a topsy-turvy win against the Dutch duo of Wesley Koolhof and Tallon Griekspoor to reach the quarterfinals.
However, they were defeated by the fourth-seed American duo of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek in straight sets, bringing an end to their dream run.
The Spanish duo’s legacy has been immortalized at the Rafa Nadal Museum, which is situated in the 14-time Roland Garros champion’s hometown in Mallorca. A signed jersey of both players has been put on display at the museum with a personalized message.
While the Nadal’s tweet read,
“Thank you so much Carlos for this great memory.” (translated from Spanish)
Alcaraz’s read,
“For the Rafa Nadal Museum with love Carlos Alcaraz.” (translated from Spanish)
“Hopefully it’s not going to be the last time” – Carlos Alcaraz wishes that Rafael Nadal continues his career after the 2024 Davis Cup
Rafael Nadal has been announced in Spain’s squad for the 2024 Davis Cup Finals knockout stages. He will be joined by Carlos Alcaraz, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s entry into the knockout stages.
Speaking to the media ahead of his China Open campaign, Alcaraz said that he didn’t want to consider the Davis Cup a possible swansong of his idol and just wanted to enjoy valuable time with him on and off the court. He mentioned how having the five-time Davis Cup champion in the squad would be a huge asset for them.
“Obviously, as I said, as much time as I can spend with him, for me it’s a privilege. I don’t want to think that it is a potential last dance for him in Malaga. I just want to think that I will trying to live or to enjoy his time around, to enjoy seeing him on court as much as I can.”
“Yeah, have the chance to spend more time off the court, on the court, as well, with him, it’s going to be great for Team Spain and I think for the country, as well, that we’re playing in Spain.”
Alcaraz said that he would enjoy his time with Nadal and reiterated his hopes of the Davis Cup not being his idol’s final campaign.
“Yeah, I gonna enjoy that time. Hopefully it’s not going to be the last time for him.”
Team Spain, captained by David Ferrer, will also include Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreño Busta, and Marcel Granollers. They will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
