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

After Nadal's career came to an end on Tuesday with Spain's loss to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinal tie, Alcaraz told reporters it is "almost impossible" for anyone to follow his legacy:

"I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis. I mean, his legacy is going to be eternal. You know, he has been great for tennis, for this sport in general.

"Yeah, it is difficult, at least for me. I don't want to think that I should continue, you know, the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, you know, it's time to say, you know, just great things about Rafa, what he has done, you know, during his career. Probably he was one of the players that put tennis, you know, in the top of sport in the top of the world. It is just great to have had Rafa in tennis and, you know, in this period in my life."

Nadal previously announced that the Davis Cup would be his final tournament, but it wasn't clear going in when he would play.

Spain captain David Ferrer wound up using Nadal against Botic van de Zandschulp in the first match of the day. Rafa lost 6-4, 6-4 in one of two singles matches on the day. Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor in the other, leaving the doubles match as the tiebreaker to determine which team would advance.

The pairing of van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof defeated Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers in straight sets, ending Spain's run in the tournament and Nadal's career.

Nadal is on the short list of best athletes of the 21st century so far, in addition to being arguably the best men's tennis player of all-time. His 22 grand slam singles titles are the second-most among all men's players, behind only Novak Djokovic's 24.

There is no argument that Nadal is the greatest clay court player of all-time. His 14 French Open victories are seven more than any men's or women's player during the Open era.

Alcaraz is doing his fellow countryman proud by carrying on Nadal's legacy of dominance for Spain. He has 16 singles titles on his resume, including four grand slam championships.

The biggest factor for Alcaraz to even have a chance at catching any of Nadal's records is longevity. He went 17 years between his first grand slam title in 2005 and his last one in 2022.

Alcaraz was able to play Nadal three times in singles matches. Rafa won the first two before Alcaraz finally got the better of him at the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid in May 2022.