Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz make feelings known on Spain's Davis Cup heartbreak with touching messages

On Sunday, November 23, Spain fell short against Italy at the Davis Cup Finals. Reacting to the team's defeat, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal were quick to pen touching messages for their compatriots.

The Spanish team enjoyed an impressive week in Bologna. The nation was dealt a major blow early in their campaign when Alcaraz was forced to pull out of the event due to a muscle edema, but the team recovered well and went on to claim wins against Czechia and Germany in their quarterfinals and semifinals encounters. However, in the finals, Spain was outdone by Italy, as Matteo Berrettini beat Pablo Carreno Busta, and Flavio Cobolli beat Jaume Munar.

Reacting to the results of the Davis Cup Finals, Carlos Alcaraz took to his Instagram story to congratulate Italy, writing,

“Congrats to Italy for another Davis Cup! Very proud of our people! Amazing!”

In a separate story, the 22-year-old shared a reel that read,

“We landed on our feet. We fell together. And we'll get back up together. We'll keep dreaming. We'll be back.”

Meanwhile, tennis legend Rafael Nadal also congratulated his compatriots for their performance in Bologna, writing,

“Awwesome week at the @daviscup! Congratulations @davidferrer1982 @munarclar @pablo_carreno_ @marcelgranollers @martinezportero.”

Left and centre - via @carlitosalcarazz on Instagram, Right - via @rafaelnadal on Instagram

Carlos Alcaraz hails Davis Cup as ‘one of the most privileged’ events in tennis

Alcaraz at the Rolex Paris Masters 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz was originally scheduled to compete at the 2025 Davis Cup Finals, having flown straight to Bologna after wrapping up his campaign at the ATP Finals in Turin. Reflecting on the importance of the Davis Cup, the Spaniard told media at the Tour Finals that competing in the event was one of the biggest privileges of being tennis star, saying,

“If I am honest with you, I think the Davis Cup is one of those tournaments that you're not used to feel and play because you're playing for your country, you're playing with your teammates. It's totally different. I think it's one of the most privileged things you can do in our sport, representing your country.

However, Alcaraz also emphasised that the Davis Cup might fare better as a biennial event, adding,

“I think if the tournament is played like every two years or every three years, the players, the commitment of the players, it's going to be even more because it's unique, it's different. You're not able to play every year.”

Carlos Alcaraz was forced to pull out of the 2025 Davis Cup due to an injury he picked up during his clash against Jannik Sinner at the ATP Finals. The Spaniard has previously competed in the event in 2022 and 2024.

What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here

Edited by Riddhi Acharya