Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic? Rafael Nadal makes Australian Open final prediction

Rafael Nadal has made his prediction for Sunday’s Australian Open men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

Sunday’s showdown at Melbourne Park promises to be a classic affair, with plenty of potential history and records on the line for both players.

Alcaraz booked his spot in his first-ever Australian Open final after battling vomiting and cramps to come through a five-set epic with Alexander Zverev.

And with victory against Djokovic, the 22-year-old would become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in the Open era.

Djokovic, meanwhile, turned back the clocks with a remarkable five-set triumph of his own, downing Jannik Sinner to reach his 11th Australian Open final.

And Serb can now become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam and claim his record-breaking 25th major title if he can get the better of Alcaraz in Sunday’s final on the Rod Laver Arena.

Alcaraz got the better of Djokovic the last time the two met in the US Open semi-final, but it was the Serb who beat the World No1 when they faced off in the Australian Open quarter-final 12 months ago.

Nadal won the Australian Open twice during his illustrious playing career, and is expecting a close affair on Sunday.

But the 39-year-old said he is backing his fellow countryman to get over the line, and said Alcaraz’s youth could prove pivotal as the final wears on.

‘First of all, it’s going to be a pleasure to watch the final live,’ Nadal said.

‘Having not been in a professional mindset for some time, the first thing I want is to enjoy a great battle and a high level of tennis again.

‘I have a good relationship with him, we shared the Olympic Games, we were both on the Spanish team.

‘If Novak wins, I’ll be happy for him because, in a way, what he’s doing is spectacular.

‘It wouldn’t be a tragedy for me, but if I have to support someone, I feel I have to support Carlos.’

Speaking about Alcaraz, Nadal added: ‘He’s young, he has the energy and he’s in his prime. But I mean, Novak is Novak. He’s a very special player. I don’t know if Novak has lost a final here.

‘It’s always a challenge and he likes the challenges. Favourite is Carlos from my point of view.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.