In the deciding doubles match, the 22-year-old returned to the court and teamed up with Marcel Granollers. Sadly for the four-time Grand Slam winner, he and the Spanish doubles veteran didn't manage to deliver as van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof claimed a 7-6 (4) 7-6 (3) win.

Rafael Nadal's retirement from tennis serves as a reminder that for all of his Grand Slam titles and other successes, his greatest legacy might be the qualities that inspired Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and other younger players.

Jul 28, 2024; Paris, France; Rafal Nadal (ESP) and Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) talk during their match against Maximo Gonzales (ARG) and Andres Molteni (ARG) in the men's tennis doubles first round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. / Amber Searls-Imagn Images

As in a generational transition, the two Spaniards will be the two most anticipated stars in Malaga, the last tournament of the legendary career of the 22-time Slam champion

Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal's "eternal legacy" after his legendary compatriot's retirement from tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.

Carlos Alcaraz is very open about the fact that he grew up idolizing Rafael Nadal, and the gratitude he holds for the tennis legend hasn't faltered. So, he understandably didn't handle Nadal's retirement lightly.