Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal's "eternal legacy" after his legendary compatriot's retirement from tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
The four-time Grand Slam winner described Nadal as "the best possible ambassador" for the sport and he also credited the Mallorcan as the reason for him becoming a tennis player.
Nadal was defeated 6-4, 6-4 by Botic van de Zandschulp in the first rubber of Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final tie with the Netherlands on Tuesday.
It proved to be the final match of the 38-year-old legend's remarkable career as hosts Spain exited the competition after falling to a 2-1 defeat in Malaga.
Alcaraz downed Dutch No 1 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 in the second singles match to force a decisive doubles contest.
The 21-year-old partnered Marcel Granollers in the doubles — and the pair were beaten 7-6(4), 7-6(3) by the Dutch duo of Wesley Koolhof and van de Zandschulp.
After Spain's defeat, Alcaraz highlighted Nadal's impact on tennis and declared it will be "almost impossible" to continue his compatriot's legacy.
"I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis," Alcaraz said in a press conference. "His legacy is going to be eternal. You know, he has been great for tennis, for this sport in general.
"It is difficult, at least for me. I don't want to think that I should continue the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible.
"I will try to do my best, but right now, it's time to say, you know, just great things about Rafa, what he has done, during his career.
"I think he has said everything, but, you know, the way he left tennis, it is incredible. Probably he was one of the players that put tennis, you know, in the top of sport in the top of the world. So it is just great to have had Rafa in tennis and in this period in my life."
The world No 3 then posted a message on social media to express his appreciation for Nadal.
"There will be many more Davis, there is only one Rafa. Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player," Alcaraz wrote.
"It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy."
