Carlos Alcaraz hopes Davis Cup finals won't be Rafael Nadal's 'last dance'

Carlos Alcaraz, aged 21, expressed his excitement on Wednesday about partnering with Rafael Nadal, 38, for Spain in the upcoming Davis Cup finals. He hopes that this event will not mark "a last dance" for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

This week, Spain announced its five-man team for the finals scheduled for November in Malaga, with both players included. They previously competed together in doubles at the Paris Olympics.

Despite not having participated in competitive matches since Paris and having played only one of the last seven Grand Slams due to injury and fitness issues, Nadal was selected for the Davis Cup.

Alcaraz mentioned that he had "missed" his fellow countryman at the recent Laver Cup, which Nadal did not attend due to injury.

"I prefer not to consider this as a potential last performance for him in Malaga," stated Alcaraz, a four-time major winner, during the China Open in Beijing.

"Having him on the team is an incredible advantage. He brings a wealth of experience. This will be my first Davis Cup final, and I anticipate it will be a remarkable experience for me.

"Being able to spend more time both on and off the court with him will be beneficial for Team Spain and, I believe, for our country as we compete in Spain.

"I sincerely hope this will not be his final appearance."

Nadal is currently not in Beijing, and he has conveyed mixed signals regarding his future in tennis.

SportsLigue