Rafael Nadal’s uncle pleads with Carlos Alcaraz after Spaniard dethrones Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal’s uncle has begged Carlos Alcaraz to let him win one final trophy before he walks away from professional tennis at the end of next year. Alcaraz recently laid down a huge marker by ending Novak Djokovic’s winning streak at Wimbledon, with the Spaniard clinching his first title at SW19 earlier this month.
Nadal was forced to miss the tournament as he continues to recover from a long-term injury, which he suffered back in January before announcing that 2024 is likely to be his final year in the sport. His uncle Toni has since joked that Alcaraz, who has emerged as the 37-year-old’s natural heir in recent years, should let Nadal win one last title before he eventually hangs up his racket.
“Rafa is fine, on vacation, wanting to hit the court in 2024,” said Toni. “Let’s hope Alcaraz lets us win something then. He is excited to come back and retire on the track.”
Nadal has not played a competitive match since this year’s Australian Open, where he crashed out in the second round after suffering a hip injury while playing against Mackenzie McDonald. He will be desperate to round off his career by winning at least one more title when he eventually returns to action, although it remains to be seen if Alcaraz will stop him from doing so before the end of next year.
