Carlos Alcaraz hopes Davis Cup will not be Rafael Nadal's 'last dance'

Carlos Alcaraz has expressed his excitement about Rafael Nadal's return to Spain's Davis Cup squad for the upcoming quarter-finals in November. However, he hopes that this prestigious tournament will not mark the end of Nadal's illustrious career.

In Short

• Carlos Alcaraz excited for Rafael Nadal's Davis Cup return
• Rafael Nadal missed the US Open and Laver Cup
• Nadal, 38, was a surprise inclusion for the Davis Cup Finals

Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has expressed his excitement over Rafael Nadal's return to Spain's Davis Cup squad for the upcoming quarter-finals in November. However, he also hopes that the prestigious tournament in Malaga will not serve as a swansong for the 22-time Grand Slam champion, whose career has been hindered by injuries in recent years.

Nadal, 38, was a surprise inclusion for the Davis Cup Finals set to take place from November 19-24, despite not having competed since the Paris Olympics in July. The tennis icon has missed key events, including the US Open and Laver Cup, raising concerns about his fitness and sparking speculation that the Davis Cup could be the final chapter in his illustrious career.

Nadal himself has hinted that 2023 could mark the end of his journey on the professional tennis circuit, with a hip injury requiring surgery severely limiting his appearances this year. His inclusion in the Davis Cup team has therefore ignited fresh discussions about whether this could be his "last dance."

Alcaraz, who teamed up with Nadal in doubles at the Paris Games, spoke fondly about his compatriot's return. "It's always great having Rafa around. I miss him. I'm not going to lie, I missed him in the Laver Cup," said the 20-year-old. "Obviously, as much time as I can spend with him, it's a privilege for me."

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Nadal's future, Alcaraz remains hopeful that his legendary teammate will continue beyond Malaga. "I don't want to think that it's a potential last dance for him in Malaga. I just want to enjoy seeing him on court as much as I can," he said. "It's great support having him in the team. He can bring a lot of experience to the Davis Cup."

Nadal's withdrawal from the Laver Cup, which he had initially targeted for a comeback, left many fans and players wondering about his future. For now, the Spaniard has not confirmed any events before the Davis Cup, leaving the tennis world in suspense.

As for Alcaraz, the young star is riding high after guiding Team Europe to victory in the Laver Cup. The success, he said, has bolstered his confidence ahead of the China Open, which kicks off on Thursday.

"I played great matches in the Laver Cup, which helped me a lot to have more confidence coming to this tournament," Alcaraz said during a press conference in Beijing. "I beat Ben Shelton, who was playing great, and Taylor Fritz, who came from the final in New York. Having those victories, it's great for my confidence and level to come here with extra energy knowing I'm ready to do a good result, knowing that I have a really tough draw."

The tennis world will be watching closely as Alcaraz continues his rise and as Nadal's next move remains uncertain, with hopes that the Davis Cup will mark another milestone in his incredible career—not the end of it.