In the deciding doubles match, the 22-year-old returned to the court and teamed up with Marcel Granollers. Sadly for the four-time Grand Slam winner, he and the Spanish doubles veteran didn't manage to deliver as van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof claimed a 7-6 (4) 7-6 (3) win.

Rafael Nadal's retirement from tennis serves as a reminder that for all of his Grand Slam titles and other successes, his greatest legacy might be the qualities that inspired Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and other younger players.

Carlos Alcaraz has already accomplished more at the age of 21 than most tennis players will in their entire career, but he understands trying to equal

Carlos Alcaraz is very open about the fact that he grew up idolizing Rafael Nadal, and the gratitude he holds for the tennis legend hasn't faltered. So, he understandably didn't handle Nadal's retirement lightly.

Carlos Alcaraz has said Rafael Nadal's legacy in tennis is "eternal" and says it is almost impossible to follow in his footsteps.

Not surprisingly, Rafael Nadal couldn't take a step around the grounds of the Davis Cup Final 8 in recent days without hearing requests for a handshake or

Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal's "eternal legacy" after his legendary compatriot's retirement from tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.