Jannik Sinner has won 65 of his 71 ATP Tour-level matches this year, claiming seven trophies, including the Australian Open and US Open. Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, won the other two Grand Slam tournam

One player was very impacted by Nadal's retirement news—Carlos Alcaraz. The fellow Spaniard has shared throughout the start of his promising career how big of an inspiration and role model Nadal has been for him in his life. Alcaraz met Nadal at a very young age and even got to play doubles in the 2024 Paris Olympics with him.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals whether Rafael Nadal's retirement affected him during his loss at the Shanghai Masters.

Carlos Alcaraz and his team were seen watching Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement from the warm-up area at the Shanghai Masters on Friday.

Rafael Nadal announces retirement from tennis, ends illustrious career with 22 Grand Slam titles Carlos Alcaraz shocked with Rafael Nadal's retirement decision. Reveal

Novak Djokovic hailed Rafael Nadal's "legacy" while Carlos Alcaraz said hearing about his fellow Spaniard's retirement was "painful". It has been suggested that Sinner's rivalry with Alcaraz could be the new era version of Nadal's 'Big Three' battles with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.