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.

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.

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

Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer has explained his decision to select Rafael Nadal to play singles in his legendary countryman’s farewell event. The former world No 3 declared he was “confident that Rafa is a competitive beast” and added he “had to give him that opportunity.

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