The Australian Open is preparing to host its biggest event this Sunday: the final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard and the Serbian qualified for the decisive game after epic victories in the semi-final duels against Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner, respectively, so a truly great game is expected that no one wants to miss.
One of those who won’t lose will be Rafa Nadalwho is in Melbourne today to participate in an event with one of his sponsors and a tribute to his career, where he spoke about the long-awaited match.
“First of all, it will be a pleasure to watch the final live. Not having a professional mindset for some time, The first thing I want is to enjoy a great battle again and a great level of tennis”, explained Nadal.
However, He also recalled the history he shares with Novakcurrent number four in the world, with whom he has “an incredible history” and to whom he wishes “the best”, but he remembered that Carlos is Spanish and this makes his balance tilt towards the Murcian.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, doubles partners at Paris 2024
The champion of 22 Grand Slam titles did not hide his closeness to the Spaniard, with whom he shared recent experiences. “I have a good relationship with him, we share the Olympic Games, we share the Spanish team… If Novak wins, I will be happy for him because, in a way, what he is doing is spectacular. It wouldn’t be a drama for me, but if I have to support someone, I feel like I have to support Carlos” he observed.
Four years since the final with Medvedev
Nadal, who managed to win the Australian Open twice -2009 and 2022- This Saturday he celebrated four years since the historic victory in Melbourne against Russian Daniil Medvedev in five sets.
Rafa Nadal, Australian Open champion in 2022
“What happened four years ago is in the past, I don’t usually look back too much or dwell on nostalgia, but in the end I come here to enjoy another point of view. What happened happened, it was very beautiful and now I’m happy living another stage of my life“, he stated.
Regarding the semifinal between Alcaraz and German Alexander Zverev, third in the ATP rankings, Nadal highlighted the emotional component of the encounter.
“Yesterday was an exciting game, I think it had a little bit of everything. There was drama because of what happened to Carlos in the third set and then, as is logical in these situations, The cramps, if you can hold on for a long time, usually go away; Sometimes they are tension cramps“, he analyzed.
“In the end, the game had everything it needed to engage people.so that it generates emotions in our sport and in the people who watch it”, he added.
Best recovery for Carlos
Former world number one He was confident in the Spaniard’s recovery after the long semi-final almost five and a half hours.
Carlos Alcaraz
“I’m sure he will recover. Although it was a long battle, the other semi-final was also not short and with a player of a different age, so I think Carlos has an even better chance of recovering better than Novak” he observed.
Nadal also reflected on the paths of the new generations.
“Everyone makes their own way, but in the end each of us does what we can at all times. When 2009 happened, he was very young and I don’t think he even knew anything.“, he said, referring to Alcaraz.
“When you grow up seeing what others do, as a child, you can be inspired, gain emotion and passion from what you saw on television. It happened to me and I’m convinced it happens to Carlos too,” he said.
When talking about the legacy of his generation, Nadal was clear. “We managed to make tennis seen as a sport that can last longer than it used to. When I arrived on the circuit, at 28 or 29 years old you were a ‘super veteran’ and had to retire. This generation has changed what it means to extend one’s professional career,” he explained.
Lastly, he mentioned Jannik Sinnernumber two in the world, after his defeat to Djokovic the day before. “I think it was a difficult match for Jannik, because he was the big favorite.but I was playing against a player with a very special history in this tournament. “We learned from everything, from victories and defeats”, concluded Nadal, convinced that the Italian “is a very strong player mentally”.
