Carlos Alcaraz has already accomplished more at the age of 21 than most tennis players do in their entire career, but he understands that trying to match what Rafael Nadal has done is virtually unthinkable.

After Nadal’s career ended on Tuesday with Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals, Alcaraz told reporters it is “almost impossible” for anyone to follow his legacy:

“I think he was one of the best ambassadors of tennis. I mean, his legacy will be eternal. You know, he was great for tennis, for the sport in general.

“Yes, it’s difficult, at least for me. I don’t want to think that I should continue, you know, the legacy that he left me. It’s difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, you know, it’s time to say, you know, big things about Rafa, about what he’s done, you know, over the course of his career, he’s probably been one of the players who put tennis, you know, at the top. sport at the top of the world. It’s just great to have Rafa in tennis and, you know, at this time in my life.”