Carlos Alcaraz says winning the Davis Cup for Rafael Nadal is a “huge motivation” and will mark the “most special” tournament of his career.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, will do it retire from tennis after representing Spain at the Davis Cup final in Malaga next week.
Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Tuesday and will be looking to extend its six titles – four of which Nadal helped shape.
“It's probably the most extraordinary tournament I'll play in my career because of what happened, because of the circumstances,” said 21-year-old Alcaraz, ranked third in the world.
“The Davis Cup has always been a tournament that I would like to win one day. I am passionate about representing Spain.”
“Having Rafa by my side and knowing that it is his last tournament will make it very special.”
Alcaraz made his Davis Cup debut in 2022, three years after Spain's most recent title.
He and Nadal, 17 years his senior, competed in doubles at the Summer Olympics in Paris but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Nadal will retire as the second most successful men's singles player of all time, behind only his long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
“No player deserves more to end his incredible career with a title and I know how special the Davis Cup is for him. It will be a difficult challenge, but winning it is a great motivation for Rafa,” Alcaraz told the ATP website.
He added: “Rafa’s farewell is much more important, at least for me. The Davis Cup takes place every year. Rafa's farewell, the farewell to a legend of the sport, unfortunately only happens once. Personally, I am very happy to be with Rafa.” Page for his farewell.