Nadal Backs Alcaraz for Australian Final Despite Respect for Djokovic
Rafael Nadal has expressed his strong support for fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Australian Open final, despite honoring his long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
Nadal Backs Alcaraz for Australian Final
Nadal, a two-time Australian Open champion with 22 Grand Slam titles, will attend the final in Melbourne on Sunday. He believes Alcaraz, currently the world’s top-ranked player, is the favorite to win.
Respect for Djokovic
- Nadal emphasizes his respect for Djokovic, who is 38 years old.
- He acknowledged the Serbian’s impressive record, having won ten previous Australian Open titles.
“I think Carlos is the favorite,” Nadal stated in an interview with Channel Nine. “He is young, energetic, and at his best. However, Novak is a special player.” Nadal noted that Djokovic thrives on challenges, making him a formidable opponent.
Djokovic’s Performance
Nadal mentioned the significance of Djokovic’s ongoing competitiveness at an advanced age. “Novak, for obvious reasons, is not at his peak, but he remains very competitive,” he remarked.
- Djokovic reached the final by defeating Jannik Sinner in a tense five-set semifinal match.
- Should he win, Djokovic could become the oldest player to secure the Australian Open title since Ken Rosewall achieved this at 37 in 1972.
Despite the challenges posed by Djokovic, Nadal firmly believes that Alcaraz has the upper hand in this crucial matchup. Fans are eager to witness how this final unfolds, with high expectations for both players.
