Rafael Nadal Voices Support for Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open Final Showdown
As the tennis world gears up for the highly anticipated Australian Open 2026 men's final, legendary player Rafael Nadal has shared his insights on the clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal, who will be present at Rod Laver Arena for Sunday's finale, made it clear that while he respects his long-time rival Djokovic, his support lies with his Spanish compatriot Alcaraz.
Nadal's Assessment of the Finalists
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion himself, acknowledged Djokovic's remarkable longevity in the sport. At 38 years old, Djokovic continues to compete at the highest level, recently defeating world number two Jannik Sinner in a grueling semi-final to secure a record 11th Australian Open final appearance. Djokovic is not only aiming to become the oldest man to win the Australian Open title but also to capture his elusive 25th Grand Slam, which would surpass Margaret Court's record of 24 major titles.
"I really believe that he [Djokovic] is here for one simple reason – because if I don't get injured, probably I will be here playing, too," Nadal remarked, reflecting on his own career and recent retirement. He emphasized Djokovic's commitment and resilience, stating, "I think it's a positive example of commitment, of resilience ... Novak, for obvious reasons, he's not at his prime, but he is still very, very competitive at an age that is difficult to be very competitive. So, full respect."
Alcaraz's Chances and Recovery
Despite his praise for Djokovic, Nadal expressed confidence in Alcaraz's ability to perform in the final. Alcaraz, the 23-year-old world number one, battled through an epic semi-final against Alexander Zverev that lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes, the third-longest match in Australian Open history. Nadal believes Alcaraz has the edge in recovery, noting, "The finals of grand slams, you know, there's a lot at stake, but it's no different from, you know, any other big match that I play. I'm sure he will recover even if it has been a long battle, the other semi-final wasn't a short battle either. I think Carlos has more possibilities of recovering almost better than Novak."
Alcaraz is vying to become the youngest man to complete the Career Slam, adding another layer of history to this final. Djokovic, on the other hand, has a perfect record in his previous 10 Australian Open finals, including the longest-ever Grand Slam final against Nadal in 2012, which lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes.
Nadal's Final Verdict and Emotional Stance
Nadal clarified that his support for Alcaraz does not diminish his respect for Djokovic. He said, "If Novak wins, I will be happy for him because in some ways, it is spectacular what he's doing at this stage of his career. So I will be happy, it will not be a drama for me. But if I have to support someone, I feel I have to support Carlos." This statement underscores the camaraderie and mutual admiration among tennis greats, even as they navigate rivalries and national allegiances.
The final promises to be a historic encounter, with both players chasing significant milestones. Djokovic summed up the stakes during his post-match press conference, stating, "History is on the line for both of us every time we play. The finals of grand slams, you know, there's a lot at stake, but it's no different from, you know, any other big match that I play."
As fans await Sunday's showdown, Nadal's words highlight the blend of competition and respect that defines modern tennis, making this Australian Open final a must-watch event for sports enthusiasts worldwide.
