MADRID (AP) — Spain is set to begin its title defense at the Davis Cup Finals without Rafael Nadal, and with all eyes on the teenager touted as his heir.
The 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz will be attracting attention when Spain starts on Friday against Ecuador. Spain is looking to triumph again two years after winning the inaugural edition of the revamped nations' competition.
The tournament wasn't played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coming off a title at the Next Gen ATP Finals, Alcaraz will be making his first Davis Cup appearance alongside Pablo Carreno Busta and Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who are both more than 10 years older than him. Alcaraz wasn't even born when another member of Spain's team, 40-year-old Feliciano López, began playing on tour.
"For me it's a dream come true to be here," the No. 32 Alcaraz said Wednesday. "I watched this tournament since I was a kid and I always wished to be here representing my country, so I'm really excited to be with the team."