Carlos Alcaraz’s team is thrilled to see Rafael Nadal’s announcement | Tennis | Sport

Carlos Alcaraz and his team were caught on camera reacting to the news of Rafael Nadal’s retirement.

The world number two was preparing for the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters when the 22-time Grand Slam champion broke the news, announcing he would call time on his career this year.

Alcaraz’s coaches and family were seen gathered around him as they watched Nadal’s emotional video statement.

The four-time Grand Slam champion was in the warm-up area when Nadal posted a video on his social media accounts confirming his decision to end his playing career at the Davis Cup finals in November.

Backstage cameras showed Alcaraz standing with his brother and looking at his phone. The rest of the group quickly joined them, with Alcaraz coach Juan Carlos Ferrero among the group.

The Spaniard’s agent also met and put on his glasses to see better. The group hugged while watching Nadal’s announcement.

Alcaraz entered the court about an hour later and lost to Tomas Machac. He later shared his reaction to the news of Nadal’s retirement.

“Well, honestly, I couldn’t believe it when I watched it,” said the 21-year-old.

“You know, it doesn’t affect me at all before the match. I wasn’t distracted at all, I was just very focused on the game, I didn’t think about Rafa’s news.”

While Alcaraz didn’t let his emotions get the best of him on the court, he admitted it was difficult to process in the moment. The world number 2 continued: “But obviously when I watched it, it was difficult to accept. I was a little in shock.

“Thank you for watching it an hour before the game, so I had time to accept it and forget about it a little before the game.

“It’s a very difficult thing, very difficult news for everyone and even more difficult for me. He has been my idol since I started playing tennis. I admire him. Proudly, thanks to him, I really wanted to become a professional tennis player. Losing him, in a way, will be difficult for us, so I will try to make the most of it when he plays.”

Alcaraz will be by Nadal’s side as he retires next month, as both men have been called up to Spain’s Davis Cup squad. The pair are also expected to play in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia next week.

And Alcaraz wants to enjoy it while he can. “But we are playing in Saudi Arabia and then in the Davis Cup, so I will try to make the most of the time with him, but, yes, it is a shame for tennis and for me,” he said. he added.