Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz reflect on Davis Cup loss in ...

2 hours ago

Eurosport.com

Updated 19/11/2024 at 22:45 GMT

There were very different fortunes for Spain's Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in their singles rubbers of the Davis Cup quarter-final with Netherlands, and both gave their reactions on what was an emotional night in Malaga. With the backdrop of Nadal's big farewell from tennis after such an illustrious career, a packed arena roared on the Spanish duo in the much-anticipated tie.

Highlights: Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible final match

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Nadal fell to a disappointing straight-sets defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match of the tie as his farewell event suddenly looked like it could be over swiftly.

However, the impressive Alcaraz roared to a fine victory over Tallon Griekspoor to set up a deciding rubber and ensure that Nadal had something to cheer about from the stands.

Reflecting on his opening defeat, the 38-year-old legend told reporters that he was fully accepting of the fact that he may have played his final singles match.

"Of course, it has been an emotional day and I felt nerves before what can be my last singles match as a professional," Nadal said.

"I tried my best, I tried to enjoy and play with the right energy and the right attitude.

"It just didn't work. There was a possibility that that would happen."

'I did it for Rafa' - Alcaraz dedicates victory over Griekspoor to Nadal on 'emotional day'

Asked whether Spain captain David Ferrer would select him for potential singles matches if the team progresses beyond the quarter-finals, Nadal said: "It is not my decision and I'm sure he will make the best decision possible for the team.

"In some ways, it is good, maybe, if that was my last match because I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle."

Alcaraz was rightly upbeat after his fine victory to level the tie and take it to a doubles decider.

"I watched the whole match [Nadal's defeat]," he said in his on-court interview. "I had the chance to watch the first set here in real life and then I had to stay focused.

"It's an emotional day but I tried to forget everything and show my best tennis. The Davis Cup is a really important tournament for me and everyone.

"I tried to play my best tennis and get Spain the best chance to qualify. I did it for Rafa. Let's see in the doubles, hopefully we are getting the win.

Highlights: Alcaraz keeps Spain in Davis Cup with victory over Griekspoor

"I started pretty well. It's just a game where I lost focus a little bit. I let him make the break so I had to stay here. I tried to stay positive.

"I had my chances that I couldn't take at the beginning. I stayed there, played good tennis and I'm really happy I got him in two sets."

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