Carlos Alcaraz felt ‘responsible’ for Rafael Nadal retirement in heartbreaking admission | Tennis | Sport

It’s been exactly a year since Rafael Nadal hung up his racket at the Davis Cup Finals. Spain took on the Netherlands in their quarter-final tie, and the 22-time Major winner lost his last-ever singles match to Botic van de Zandschulp. Although Carlos Alcaraz won the next singles rubber, Spain suffered defeat in the decisive doubles contest as Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers suffered defeat at the hands of Dutch duo Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof.

It eliminated Spain from the competition and immediately sent Nadal into retirement. And six-time Major winner Alaraz has now confessed that he feels “responsible” for losing the doubles match and failing to allow his country to advance, which would have extended Nadal’s career by even a few days.

Alcaraz has suffered even more Davis Cup heartbreak this year. He was set to represent Spain at this week’s Final 8 in Bologna, but withdrew from the team competition after picking up a thigh injury, with MRI scans showing a muscle edema.

Ahead of this year’s Davis Cup Finals – before he knew he would not be able to compete – the world No. 1 opened up on Nadal’s emotional retirement and his regret over how the tie played out.

“It was very tough and sad at the same time. I played my part in the singles, but I also played doubles and I feel responsible for not being able to advance. It was a very difficult moment,” the 22-year-old told Marca.

Alcaraz felt even worse while playing alongside Nadal at the Olympics. The Spanish Grand Slam champions teamed up at the 2024 Games, when the tennis event was staged at Stade Roland Garros.

Dubbed ‘Nadalcaraz’, they lost to American pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in the quarter-finals. Had they won, they would have guaranteed themselves a chance to play for a medal, whether in the final or the bronze playoff.

Alcaraz added: “But losing the doubles match at the Paris Olympics with him was harder than losing the Davis Cup. [It was one of my saddest moments] without a doubt. I was very down after the game.”

Six months after he retired at the Davis Cup Finals, Nadal returned to Roland Garros for a special ceremony, honouring his career and his 14 French Open titles. Alcaraz was in the stands for the presentation while Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray joined Nadal on the court.

“I got goosebumps because it was a very emotional and beautiful moment, just as he deserved. With Roger, with Novak, and with Andy. The videos, Roland Garros, the plaque. The farewell was magnificent,” he said of the special occasion.