"I'm sure the time will come to do so": Carlos Alcaraz reveals reason behind not speaking to Rafael Nadal since retirement

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about the reason for not speaking to former world number one Rafael Nadal. The 38-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category after having won 22 Grand Slam titles, has recently retired from professional tennis after taking part in the Davis Cup.

In his last appearance, he suffered a defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4. Alcaraz, who was the part of the Davis Cup team where Nadal played his final match, has been recently quoted in a report where he explained the reason behind not contacting the 22-time Grand Slam winner after his retirement.

"Rafa and I have a very good relationship,” he said. “But I haven't spoken to him again after his withdrawal from the Davis Cup. I think he deserves to be at peace with his family and enjoy the things he couldn't when he was playing. For me, he has been and still is a great role model. I saw that he congratulated me on social media, but I haven't had the chance to talk to him yet. I'm sure the time will come to do so."

Alcaraz has recently participated in the ATP event in Rotterdam, where he lifted the title after beating Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the final with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. It was his first title while playing on the indoor hard court. The 21-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category along with the likes of Italy’s Jannik Sinner, will feature in the Qatar Open, which starts on Monday in Doha. He will face Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the opening round of the competition on Monday.