Novak Djokovic paid tribute to the watching Rafael Nadal after the Spanish legend watched compatriot Calros Alcaraz make tennis history by winning the Australian Open.
As a result of his his 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory, the 22-year-old became the youngest player in the history of the men’s game to win all four Grand Slam titles.
Nadal, who retired in October 2024, was clearly full of admiration for Alcaraz’s achievement as he watched from the stands while his old rival was put to the sword by a man 15 years his junior.
Despite the galling nature of the defeat, Djokovic revealed he felt privileged to have the man he contested so many memorable matches, including two Australian Open finals, against.
‘I want to speak to the legendary Rafa who is in the stands,’ said Djokovic during his post match media interview.
‘Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here. I just want to say it’s been an honour to share a court with you and to have you here watching the finals it’s the first time for me.
‘Obviously a bit of strange feeling but thank you for being present. There were so many Spanish legends here I felt like it was two against one tonight.’
The night, however, belonged to the remarkable Alcaraz who simply had too much for Djokovic in the end.
It is the first time in 11 finals at Melbourne Park that Djokovic has not come out the victor, but, having beaten one of the two new kings of men’s tennis, Jannik Sinner, in an extraordinary semi-final, the other one was a step too far.
Djokovic’s achievement in just reaching the final deserves all the plaudits, though, and his insistence that a 25th major is not out of reach appears a lot more realistic – if he can somehow find a way past Alcaraz.
The man from Murcia, who has moved seamlessly past his shock split from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in December, is operating at a speed unmatched in men’s tennis.
Djokovic was 29 when he finally claimed the last piece of his grand slam puzzle at the French Open in 2016, while Nadal was 24 and Roger Federer 27.
Alcaraz is also five years younger than Djokovic was when he reached seven grand slam titles, with only Bjorn Borg anywhere the same figures.
Paying tribute to his opponent Djokovic said: ‘First and foremost of course congratulations Carlos. An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you have been doing, the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary.
‘I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career. You are so young you have a lot of time, like myself.
‘I am sure we will be seeing a lot of each other over the next 10 years… not!’
While Alcaraz could’ve been forgiven for basking in the moment, it was a measure of the man that he took time to credit his beaten opponent for inspiring him to the greatness he has already achieved and legacy he will doubtless leave behind when he reaches Djokovic’s age.
He said: ‘I want to talk about Novak – he deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about how I’m doing amazing things, but what you’re doing is inspiring – not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well.
‘You put in hard work every day with your team and I enjoy watching you play and it’s been an honour sharing the locker room and the court with you. Thank you for what you’re doing because it’s really inspiring to me.
‘My team in the corner, nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. Pre-season was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally.
‘We just did the right work, you pushed me every day to do the right things and I’m really grateful for everyone in my corner. This trophy is also yours.’
Alcaraz, too, had a special message for the watching Nadal and said: ‘It’s a bit weird seeing Rafa [Nadal] in the stands. I think it’s the first time as a professional because I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old.
‘It’s such an honour playing in front of you, we had great battles on the court and it was an honour sharing the court with you. Thank you for being here.
‘Everyone who made this tournament possible – this tournament is a great tournament for the players. The site is amazing, every year upgrades are made to make us feel comfortable. I’m really grateful for everything you’re doing for us and it’s an honour to play here in Melbourne every year.
‘The love I receive every year, it’s great support and great love. It’s not just when I play the matches, every time I step on court for practice, I feel the love from the people. I want to say thank you very much for pushing me in the tough moments during matches.
‘Thank you very much and I can’t wait to come back next year.’