Carlos Alcaraz after the knockout: “Under shock for Rafa Nadal.”

Carlos Alcaraz after the knockout: "Under shock for Rafa"

Carlos Alcaraz thanked and paid tribute to Rafael Nadal, who bid farewell to tennis on Thursday. After losing to Machac in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters 1000, the Spaniard paid tribute to the legend: "I am shocked, Rafa è my idol, one of the reasons I wanted to become a professional tennis player".

"È it was a big surprise, I had no idea. Rafa è my idol, è one of the main reasons I wanted to become a tennis pro".

Alcaraz sent a dedication to Nadal on social: "From the child who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the'immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros representing Spain at the Olympic Games".

"Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacyè è unrepeatable, I enjoyed you very much and I will miss you very much when you leave after Davis, Rafa!".