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

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.

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.

Alcaraz tried to extend Nadal’s career on Tuesday night. Carlos Alcaraz won the second singles tie 7-6 6-3 against Dutch No.1 Tallon Griekspoor. But the Wimbledon champion and Marcel Granollers then lost the deciding doubles 7-6 7-6 Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof just after midnight local time.

Carlos Alcaraz secured Spain's first win at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals by defeating the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor in the second single contest of the tie.

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

Carlos Alcaraz appeared to be full of emotion as he responded to Roger Federer ’s heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal. Nadal is set to call time on his illustrious tennis career at the Davis Cup this week after two decades at the top of the sport. Nadal will represent Spain at the tournament in Malaga to cap off a stunning career.

Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career and retires as one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time.

Rafael Nadal wanted to play his last match before retiring at home in Spain and as part of Spain's Davis Cup team

As Rafael Nadal prepared to serve in what turned out to be the last tennis match of his career, a woman’s voice broke the silence from the stands: “You make Spain proud!” Not long after that, Nadal was wiping away tears from his face and waving goodbye to his fans.

In a moment that marked the end of an era, Rafael Nadal officially played his last tennis match on Tuesday at the Davis Cup, bidding an emotional farewell to the sport he dominated for over two decades.