(Video) Novak Djokovic Asks Rafael Nadal ‘Wanna Play’ During Tense Australian Open Final Against Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic was chasing his record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park.
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Rafael Nadal watched Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K; Instagram/Australian Open)
Carlos Alcaraz broke the record of Rafael Nadal in front of the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Nadal was present on the Rod Laver Arena and watched Alcaraz become the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz registered a four-set win over Novak Djokovic, whom Nadal defeated in the final of the 2010 US Open to complete the Career Grand Slam at the age of 24. Alcaraz achieved the milestone at 22.
During the match, Djokovic, who held a 31-29 head-to-head edge over the 39-year-old, asked him, “Wanna play, Rafa?” Nadal simply laughed at this invitation.
Watch the video here:
Then I have to speak to the legendary Rafa in the stands. Obviously, it is weird to see you there (stands) and not here (on court). It was an honour to share the court with you. Too many Spanish legends, I felt like I was playing 2 against 1 in this match.
Novak Djokovic said during his runner-up speech
Djokovic was bidding to become the 25-time Grand Slam champion as well as the 11-time Australian Open champion. The last time he won a title at Melbourne Park was in 2023 by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
He last won a Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, and since then, he has made two Major finals: in this year’s Australian Open and in the 2024 Wimbledon, which he lost to the now seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Carlos Alcaraz says it’s unbelievable what Novak Djokovic is doing
En route to his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic overcame Jannik Sinner in the semifinal in five sets. It was for sure an unbelievable moment as it was also Djokovic’s first win over the four-time Grand Slam champion after five consecutive defeats, three of which came in Grand Slam semifinals. The tennis world, including Alcaraz, is in awe of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
What he’s doing is inspiring for all athletes. He’s putting his body, his mind, his life into feeling like playing the final of a Grand Slam again… Going against every person saying he wasn’t going to play another Grand Slam final, or he wasn’t going to beat Jannik or myself, then he comes and plays such great tennis, beating Jannik in the semifinals. Here in the final, he played such great tennis. It’s unbelievable what he’s doing.
Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference
Alcaraz has improved his head-to-head record over Nole to 5-5. It was also his second consecutive win over Djokovic, as prior to the Melbourne Slam, they met in the semifinals of last year’s US Open, which Alcaraz won.
Carlos Alcaraz on winning the Australian Open without Juan Carlos Ferrero
There were doubts about how Alcaraz would be able to handle his career without coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. They split last year due to failed contract negotiations. At the press conference, Alcaraz was asked whether he was extra motivated to prove to his doubters that he can win a Grand Slam without the guidance of the 2003 French Open champion.
Not really, to be honest… I didn’t think about those people that had doubts about it. I came here playing for myself and playing for my team.
Carlos Alcaraz said
The Australian Open is the first title that Alcaraz lifted without Ferrero’s guidance. Prior to this win, Alcaraz lifted 24 titles under the former World No. 1, including six Majors.
Before denying Djokovic history, Alcaraz played the Australian Open’s longest semifinal against Alexander Zverev, as the match lasted for five hours and 27 minutes. Alcaraz broke the tie and took a 7-6 head-to-head record over the German.
Also read: Elena Rybakina Opens Up on Experiencing the Stefano Vukov Saga After the Australian Open Win
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