Carlos Alcaraz has revealed his disappointment in missing out on the “unique opportunity” to learn more from Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.
Alcaraz and Nadal were both set to compete for Team Europe in Berlin this weekend, though Nadal pulled out of the competition due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Many had hoped that the two could again pair up for doubles action in a continuation of the ‘Nadalcaraz’ partnership that electrified the Paris 2024 Games less than two months ago.
However, with the older of the two Spaniards no longer competing, four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz admits that he will miss not having the chance to learn even more from his compatriot.
Speaking to Marca, he said: “Rafa is one of the greatest in the history of our sport. For me, he is my idol, he is the one I watched the matches with when I was a child.
“I have tried to learn from him as much as I could during the time we were together. I will miss him in Berlin because it was a unique opportunity to continue learning from him.
“It would have been super special to repeat here in Berlin. When they gave the team and I saw that Rafa was coming, I was really excited to share the locker room with him once again.
Here at the Laver Cup we are all much closer together and it would have been a unique experience. I am going to miss him and I hope he returns to the courts soon when he feels well.
“I hope we meet at some tournament soon.”
It is not known if and when Nadal will next play, though there are hopes he could represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga towards the end of the year.
Spain captain David Ferrer revealed earlier this week that it was a possibility, and now Alcaraz is hopeful it will come to fruition.
“I heard David say that if Rafa was there, he would go all out with him,” added the 21-year-old.
“I hope I’m also physically fit to be able to go to Malaga. It’s something that I’m particularly excited about and I hope Rafa is there too.”
Alcaraz starts his Laver Cup campaign on Friday, but not in singles action.
The reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion will pair up with Alexander Zverev for a doubles clash against Team World’s Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz.
Earlier in the day, the likes of Casper Ruud and Grigor Dimitrov will both be in action.
