Alcaraz pays tribute to Nadal: "There's only one Rafa".

Shortly after midnight, the news that everyone had been dreading came down. Spain had been eliminated from the Davis Cup, beaten in the quarter-finals by the Netherlands.

Rafael Nadal is officially retired. Victorious over Tallon Griekspoor but defeated in the decisive doubles, Carlos Alcaraz paid tribute to the Majorcan.

On his social networks, the four-time Grand Slam winner sent a message congratulating his friend on his long and fruitful career.

"There will be many more editions of the Davis Cup, but there is only one Rafa. Thanks to you, I became a professional tennis player.

It was an honor to experience your career as a child for whom you were an idol, and then as a teammate.

The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy," wrote the world number 3 on his official X account (formerly Twitter).

The two men shared a few moments as opponents on court (two wins to one for Nadal).

They then evolved into teammates. The Spanish pair competed in the men's doubles at the Paris Olympics this summer, losing out in the quarter-finals.