Carlos Alcaraz prepares for emotional Rafael Nadal reunion: 'I really want him to retire with a title'

While Carlos Alcaraz is left to wait for the last round robin match Friday evening to determine his semifinal fate at the Nitto ATP Finals, the 21-year-old’s season isn’t done yet either way.

Next week, Alcaraz will represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where a reunion with Rafael Nadal awaits. With the 22-time major champion set to hang up his racquet following the men’s team event, Alcaraz has one goal in mind.

“I think it's most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title,” he told press after losing to Alexander Zverev in Turin. “It's going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me.

“When I was a kid, I'd dream about winning the Davis Cup, for Spain. This year we have a really special chance to win it.”

The winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year, the world No. 3 memorably joined forces with Nadal at the Paris Olympics—falling one win short of reaching the medal rounds. Alcaraz went on to bring home a silver medal in singles for his nation, finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian withdrew ahead of the season-ending championships, with Alcaraz proclaiming Djokovic “deserves to choose” the events he plays as the holder of 24 majors targets an 11th title at January’s Australian Open.

“We've seen before that it doesn't matter that he doesn't play an official match for two, three, four months because he's going to come again and be able to win the tournament, be able to show a really high level of tennis,” believes the Spaniard.

“He's going to be fresh, for sure. A lot of time with his family, kids, wife. Have time to practice a lot, which is pretty good for a tennis player coming to a tournament with motivations.”

I think it's most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title. Carlos Alcaraz on Rafael Nadal

Alcaraz dropped to 5-6 overall against Zverev, who finished the John Newcombe Group undefeated. If Casper Ruud wins one set against Andrey Rublev, Alcaraz will have to wait another year to make a run at the coveted trophy.

“This year, as I said, I've played great tournaments and really bad tournaments. My goal at the end to be there all the time. Every tournament that I'm going to play, at least reach the semifinal, final, give myself the chance to win the tournament,” he said in reflection.

“So I have to work. Thank God I'm young, I'm still super young, so I hope to have many years to get there.”