World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the game. Nadal ended his career after Spain lost in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup against the Netherlands at Malaga.

The Spaniard finished his career with 22 Grand Slam titles and achieved all the success in his glorious career. The veteran won a total of 14 French Open titles and had an impeccable record on clay.

“I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis,” Alcaraz said of Nadal. “I mean, his legacy is going to be eternal. You know, he has been great for tennis, for this sport in general.

Alcaraz, who has won four Slams in his young career, said it will be difficult to follow in the footsteps of Nadal and lauded his compatriot for putting the sport on the top of the world.

“Yeah, it is difficult, at least for me. I don’t want to think that I should continue, you know, the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, you know, it’s time to say, you know, just great things about Rafa, what he has done, you know, during his career. Probably he was one of the players that put tennis, you know, in the top of sport in the top of the world.

“It is just great to have had Rafa in tennis and, you know, in this period in my life.”

On the other hand, Spain was the favorites to win against the Dutch but they were shocked by the opposition. Alcaraz said he didn’t take any extra pressure, knowing it was Nadal’s last tournament.

“I really wanted to do it for Rafa, but I stay focused on my game, try not to think about, you know, Rafa’s last tournament, Rafa’s last match,” Alcaraz said.

“I didn’t want to think about it. I just wanted to help the team as much I can. I wanted to try to, you know, win both matches just to keep going, try to enjoy this week much more, but I couldn’t. But it wasn’t the extra pressure that knowing it was Rafa’s last tournament.”