After experiencing extraordinary highs by winning two Grand Slam back to back, Carlos Alcaraz went on to win the Olympics silver. However, he was aiming for gold during his debut Olympics. Hence, it was somewhere a failed campaign from his view. After his outing at the Games, things traversed downhill fast. He made an unexpected early round exit at the US Open. And was ousted from the Nitto ATP Finals in the round-robin stage. However, his cough and congestion could be considered responsible for the same. While it was a pretty great season, Serena Williams’s ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs, differs on this.

After Alexander Zverev topped the group after defeating his one of the arch nemesis, Carlos Alcaraz, it was game over for the Spaniard. And the season is almost over, with a disgruntled Alcaraz hoping to get some solace from the Davis Cup. But before that, the tennis enthusiast, Bastien Fachan, posted an open statement for the fans. “Rank Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 season out of 10,” he asked.

While many fans rated Alcaraz a 9 or 9.5, Stubbs felt the season fell short of his usual high standards. “For his standard 7 1/2 …. Wining 2 slams is insane! Especially the 2 back to back on clay and grass, but I think he would be disappointed not winning the gold and having some “average” for him results,” she posted in response.

French Open and Wimbledon victories solidified Carlitos’ position as one of the top tennis players in the world. However, the Olympic gold was a jarring setback in what had been a phenomenal season. Novak Djokovic defeated Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to win the gold medal. Then, at the Cincinnati Open, he not only lost the match but also his cool. Next, the 2nd round exit at the US Open was another heartbreak. However, there was some solace among all this.

He claimed the China Open, defeating the World No.1, Jannik Sinner. Then came another series of setbacks. He made an early exit at the Paris Masters, followed by a health crisis and another early exit at the ATP Finals. Alcaraz’s fall season in 2024 has led to a sad ending. However, Carlos Alcaraz is not disheartened by his average season or defeat at the ATP Finals. The Spaniard has his focus directed at something that means more than the upcoming Davis Cup title.

Despite loss at the ATP Finals, Carlos Alcaraz puts Rafael Nadal’s farewell above Davis Cup

Many fans would have thought that Carlos Alcaraz would focus on winning the Davis Cup along with his team, in order to wash away the disappointment in the last few tournaments. However, that’s not the case for the Alcaraz, also fondly called the ‘Prince of Clay’, as the King of Clay gets ready for his last professional tournament. After elimination from the ATP, Alcaraz spoke about the Davis Cup and the significance it holds for the young Spanish sensation.

He said, “Rafa’s farewell is more important than the Davis Cup. There are Davis Cups every year, but there is only one ‘farewell’ to a tennis legend. Doing it in a tournament so special for him, which has meant so much to him since that victory against Roddick. It will be very special.” Rightly so, Spain claimed the Davis Cup five times in the last 2 decades (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019) and Nadal was the key contributor.

Though the farewell means a lot, Alcaraz has not lost his goal, “I really want him(Nadal) to retire with a title.” This time Spain would be a strong contender, as they are not just playing for their country, but also for their legend! Vamos Carlos Alcaraz.