Carlos Alcaras said that his statue was in shock when he learned about Rafael Natal’s retirement.
The 21 -year -old was preparing to take him to the court in Shanghai, showing his group Natal’s farewell video (picture above, left).
A film shared online shows a group of World Number Two to see an emotional clip around a phone.
After the match against Tomas Machak, Algaras said in a press conference: “I can’t believe it. I’m in shock.”
Algaras Machak lost straight sets in the Shanghai Masters quarterly final.
Later, he wrote a heartfelt tribute to Nadal: “From the child who saw you on television, he dreamed of becoming a tennis player, and the great gift of playing with you in Roland Karos, representing Spain in the Olympic Games!
“Thank you so much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is impossible to do again!
“I have loved you so much. Davis Cup, I will lose you so much when you leave after Rafa.”
Nadal has already set a date for his last day as a professional athlete. It will be in the Davis Cup in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
