Rafael Nadal expressed his gratitude towards the semifinalists of the Australian Open for making his long flight from Manacor to Melbourne more enjoyable. “I was watching Carlos’s match on the plane and landed just as the fifth set of the Djokovic-Sinner match was starting,” he explained to international media in front of the Margaret Court Arena. This past Saturday, the two-time Grand Slam champion was also in the spotlight for a promotional event for Kia, which involved the unveiling of a new car at Melbourne Park. However, his name was already a hot topic earlier in the day.
Following his victory against Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic reminisced about the epic five-set final he played against Nadal at the same venue back in 2012, recalling how both players struggled with cramps but managed to remain standing during the trophy presentation. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, after defeating Alexander Zverev, drew parallels with his mentor Nadal’s own semifinal encounter in 2009 against Fernando Verdasco, in which he fought through exhaustion only to claim his first title shortly after.
“Everyone has their own path, and it’s clear that back then he was quite young and unaware of everything [Alcaraz was only five]. But when you’re a kid and grow up watching what others do, you can find inspiration and develop a passion for what you’ve seen. That was my experience, and it could be Carlos’s as well,” Nadal reflected, considering the potential impact of fatigue on both finalists in the upcoming match. He expressed confidence that Alcaraz would recover, despite the demanding battle, suggesting that he may have a better chance of bouncing back than Djokovic.
As the final approaches, the Australian Open plans to honor Nadal during a ceremony, where he will be present in the stands and play a key role afterward. While tournament organizers are keeping some details under wraps, it’s clear that Nadal is a likely candidate to present the prestigious Norman Brookes Cup to the final winner. When asked whom he would prefer to see win, Nadal shared, “With Djokovic, we have an incredible history, competing for the most significant titles over the years, and I wish him all the best. But of course, Carlos is from my country, and we have a good relationship; we shared the Olympics and the Spanish team.” He further elaborated, “If Novak wins, I’ll be happy for him because what he is doing at this stage of his career is spectacular. I won’t be upset, but if I have to support someone, I feel compelled to support Carlos.”
This sentiment highlights the camaraderie and respect Nadal holds for both players, showcasing a positive sporting spirit ahead of what promises to be an exhilarating final.