(Beijing) Carlos Alcaraz said Wednesday he was looking forward to teaming up with Rafael Nadal for Spain in the Davis Cup final, hoping it would not be a “last dance” for his elder, a 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Spain captain David Ferrer this week selected both players for the finals in Malaga in November, after the pair played together in doubles at the Paris Olympics, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Nadal, 38, was selected despite not having played competitively since then and having played in just one of the last seven Grand Slam tournaments due to injuries and fitness issues.
Alcaraz, 21, said he had “missed” his compatriot during the recent Laver Cup, which the injured Majorcan did not play.
Nadal has repeatedly left doubts that the 2024 season could be the last of his long career.
“I don’t want to think that this is a potential last dance for him in Malaga,” said Alcaraz, a four-time major winner, ahead of his debut at the Beijing tournament which begins on Thursday.
“Obviously it’s a great support to have him in the team. He can bring a lot of experience. For me, it will be my first Davis Cup final, it will be a great experience,” he added.
“I have the chance to spend more time with him off the court, but also on the court, it will be great for the Spanish team and, I think, for the country too, because it is played in Spain,” Alcaraz summed up.
“I hope this will not be the last time for him,” he said.