Carlos Alcaraz’s presence might have made a big difference for Spain in the Davis Cup Finals. The team was one win away from claiming the title, but the Italian's held their nerve to secure a third straight victory in Bologna.Most players have been using their mid-season break to recharge their batteries and prepare for next year. While some shared their best vacation pictures, others spent time with their families and stayed home.With the season finale, Davis Cup Finals coming to an end, let's look at the five most interesting updates from the tennis world this week.#1) Former pros Sam Querry and Steve Johnson criticize Carlos Alcaraz's living roomAlcaraz at the 2025 Cincinnati Open - Source: GettyCarlos Alcaraz recently competed in the ATP Finals. Despite a resilient performance against Jannik Sinner, the Italian made the difference and clinched the title.Alcaraz was expected to compete in the Davis Cup Finals, but chose to withdraw from the event due to fitness concerns. He tuned in to catch the action live from his living room and shared a snap via social media.Former American pro Sam Queery and Steve Johnson labelled Alcaraz's living room mediocre."It's a bad living room. There's a table, there's like a little plastic sheet over, go ahead Steve," Querrey said. (from 4:05)They felt it was high time that a better place was arranged for the Spaniard to complete his recovery process and workouts at home."It looks like what it should be because if you watched his documentary on Netflix, maybe a year ago, maybe less than a year ago, like, this is what his house is like. He still lives at home with his parents. He's got a small little bedroom and he's doing his workouts and rehabs. It's crazy to me. I feel like they should be able to get a better living room.""It's a little surprising, but I do like the subtle flex there with all the trophies in the background," Johnson concluded on 'The Nothing Major podcast'. Click here to know more about this topic.#2) Danielle Collins shares a glimpse of her vacation with her dog, QuincyDanielle Collins had a decent season this year, amassing a semifinal appearance in Strasbourg and a quarterfinal finish in Charleston. The American also reached the third round at Wimbledon, but lost ot Iga Swiatek in straight sets.Collins shared a glimpse of her recent vacation via social media. She seemed to be enjoying her mid-season break with her dog, Quincy.Here's the post shared by Collins. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe World No. 64 will be expected to compete at the Australian Open next year. She reached the third round in 2025 and lost to Madison Keys, who went on to win the title.Click here to know more about this topic.#3) Rafael Nadal gives crucial advice to the current stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik SinnerAlcaraz and Nadal at the 2025 Laureus World Sport Awards Madrid - Source: GettyRafael Nadal has shared some advice for the current generation of tennis players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The 22-time Grand Slam champion felt they could be fierce competitors without hating their rivals."We came from Pete Sampras, who had 14 Grand Slams," Nadal said. "It's only human that someone from our generation, when they reached 14, might have thought they'd reached the peak. Since there were three of us, not two, there was never any room for complacency.""Without taking anything away from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who want to do things right, I think we (the Big 3) have helped new generations understand that you can be a fierce competitor without hating your rival," Nadal said. "You can have an optimal relationship, not necessarily a friendship. It's a good legacy we've left behind."Sinner and Alcaraz competed against each other six times this year. Alcaraz outfoxed the Italian on four occasions and also claimed the Year-End No. 1 trophy in Turin.Click here to know more about this topic.#4) Casper RuudCasper Ruud surprised his sisters, Caroline and Charlotte, by gifting them each a penthouse this week. Finansavisen, a financial newspaper, confirmed the transfer of ownership.Ruud wrapped up his season after a second-round loss to Daniel Altmaier at the Paris Masters. Despite a good performance, the German defeated him in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.Ruud is the middle child in his family. His older sister, Caroline, is a fitness influencer on Instagram, and his younger sister Charlotte is an aspiring tennis player.Click here to know more about this topic.#5) Rafael Nadal's uncle reveals the reason Spain lost the Davis Cup FinalsToni Nadal FID Castilla Y Leon Sports Forum - Source: GettyRafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, felt Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's absence cost Spain the Davis Cup Finals. The Spaniard was left out of the squad due to controversial reasons.Here's what Toni Nadal said:"Davidovich's absence has probably been significant, but I think it's solely attributable to him for not wanting to give himself the opportunity to contribute to what could have been the greatest success of his career," Toni Nadal wrote in a column for 'El Pais'."Despite the absence of the two best players in our country, I think the members of our team can return home with their heads held high for their tireless effort and determination," he added.Davidovich Fokina secured runner-up finishes in Delray Beach, Acapulco, Basel, and Washington this year. He also competed in the Paris Masters, but lost to Alexander Zverev in the third round.Click here to know more about this topic.