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Rafael Nadal picks who he’d support between long-time rival Novak Djokvic and compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles Australian Open final.
Alcaraz and Djokovic meet again in a final. (AP)
History will be at stake in Sunday’s Australian Open men’s final as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz meet in a generational showdown. Separated by 16 years, both are chasing milestones that can define their already special careers.
At 38, Djokovic is targeting a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and an elusive 25th Grand Slam, which would move him past Margaret Court and make him the oldest men’s champion in Melbourne.
Alcaraz, 22, is bidding to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, a feat Rafael Nadal achieved at 24.
Both reached the final after epic five-set semi-finals. Djokovic outlasted Jannik Sinner in four hours, saving 16 of 18 break points, while Alcaraz survived a record 5hr 27min battle with Alexander Zverev despite severe cramping.
Djokovic leads their rivalry 5–4, though margins have been slim. Whatever the result, Alcaraz will remain world number one, with Djokovic rising to third.
On Saturday, Nadal was asked by ABC Sport in Australia who he would be rooting for in the summit clash. It was a more difficult choice for him than many would have imagined. Nadal shared an almost two-decades-long rivalry with Djokovic, full of mutual respect, while compatriot Alcaraz was his doubles partner for the fag end of his career.
“In some way, with Novak we had an amazing story, with all those years competing for the most important things, and I wish him all the very best, but of course Carlos is from my country, I have a good relationship with him, we shared the Olympic Games together, we shared the Spanish team,” explained Nadal.
“And I mean, if Novak wins, I will be happy for him, because in some ways, quite 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 mean, I have to support I feel to Carlos,” concluded the Spaniard great.
January 31, 2026, 12:47 IST
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