Rafael Nadal revealed several years ago he was told that there was "someone very good" coming up in Spain and he realized that was true after hitting the practice court with current world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz during the 2021 Australian Open.
After announcing his retirement plans last week, the 22-time Grand Slam champion played his first match since the Paris Olympics on Thursday. And it came against Alcaraz, the 21-year-old who grew up watching him and hoping to one day be like him.
But in their clash at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, thetop-ranked Spanish male tennis player wasn't interested in going easy on his idol. Instead, he routinely got the job done with a 6-3 6-3 scoreline.
Following the match, Nadal and the four-time Grand Slam winner shared a warm hug at the net and the 38-year-old was asked during his on-court interview to share when he realized the current world No. 2 was special.
Well of course when youre in the tennis world when someone comes from the same country as you and hes winning, hes special... People told me someone very good is coming. I didnt have the chance to watch him til we practiced in Australia in 2021. Something like this. Even if he was very young you see things you dont see in the others. You can see it now," the former world No. 1 answered.
Nadal doesn't think Alcaraz needs his advice
Just like his idol did nearly two decades ago, the 21-year-old is also off to an outstanding start to his career. At the moment, the Spanish tennis star has four Majors - claimed back-to-back Wimbledon titles in 2023 and 2024 - and he is just an Australian Open title away from completing a Career Grand Slam.
Since the start of his career, Alcaraz has been working with 2003 French Open champion and Spanish legend Juan Carlos Ferrero. The results speak for themselves and Nadal has no doubt the world No. 2 is guided by the right people and that it will continue that way.
I think he doesnt need much advice. He has a great team, a great family. Hes gonna be doing very well with what he has. Hes learning all the time. We can see hes evolving in every way. But of course, Ill be ready any time he wants to call me," the 38-year-old explained when asked if he had any advice for the 21-year-old.
Nadal reflects on his retirement and cracks a joke about his kid
When the record 14-time French Open champion laid out his retirement plans a year and a half ago, it was pretty clear why he was making that decision. However, fans but also players continuously expressed their hope that the Spaniard's situation could change for the better and that he could prolong his career.
But after his 2024 comeback didn't go as planned and his troubles continued, Nadal was left with no other option than to put an end to his career. In Riyadh, the former world No. 1 highlighted that all the messages of support he received over the last few years meant a lot to him.
I feel well, supported and loved all around the world. Ill never have the chance to thank enough everyone enough. They helped me when I was in tough moments and positive moments, theyve always been bringing me to the next level of energy. I feel very fortunate. I had a very long and successful career. The support and love around the world means I did things good of course on court but at the same time off the court. I tried to be nice to everyone all these years. I feel happy and satisfied about the love from the crowds everywhere. Thank you," he said.
In 2022 October, Nadal became a father for the first time after his son - who is reportedly named Rafael Nadal Jr. - was born. Since he hasn't played much since then, there hasn't been a lot of chances to have his family in the stands.
But on Thursday, his son was there and the 38-year-old hilariously pointed out that he has been more losing than winning since becoming a father.
"Well I dont think Im great. Since he arrived to the world I lost more than I won. At the same time having him here helps all the tough moments Ive been through the last couple of years. He behaves very well even when its late. Im happy," Nadal said.
