Carlos Alcaraz has an important appointment this Thursday. He faces Tomas Machac in search of a place in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters 1000, where Jannik Sinner, who defeated Daniil Medvedev shortly after, awaits him.
However, the news of the day is far from China. Rafael Nadal announced his retirement in an emotional video he posted on his social networks.
The announcement caught up with Alcaraz in the middle of the warm-up, and The camera captured the exact moment the Murcian saw the video with Juan Carlos Ferrero and the rest of his team.
After the game, Alcaraz admitted “in ‘shock'” after the announcement of Nadal, whom he referred to as “the best athlete of Spain.”
“It was a big surprise, I had no idea about anything. (…) Rafa is my idol“It’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a tennis professional,” said the Wimbledon champion after being eliminated by Tomas Macchac 7-6 (5) and 7-5.
Alcaraz emphasized the “legacy he leaves not only in tennis, but in sport” in general, and assured that it is “painful” to see Nadal “leave tennis, which is what he wanted.”
“He is the person we will miss.” he emphasized.
Before entering the salt press, Alcaraz published a heartfelt message on his Twitter account.
“From the child who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one with the immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros representing Spain at the Olympic Games! Thank you so much for being an example at all levels, your legacy will never be repeated! I have enjoyed you very much and I will miss you very much when you leave after Davis, Rafa!” his words.
Source: La Verdad
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