Rafael Nadal may now be retired from professional tennis, but he is back Down Under, returning to the Australian Open ahead of the ‘Night of Legends’ event taking place before Sunday’s men’s singles final.
The 2009 and 2022 AO champion was asked about tomorrow’s showdown between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Here’s what he had to say.
With Novak, we had an amazing story. All those years competing for the most important things. I think it’s a positive example of commitment, resilience and in some ways it’s a positive thing to have somebody like him, at his age, fighting with the players that are younger and they are at the prime. Novak, for obvious reasons, he’s not at his prime, but still very, very competitive at an age that is difficult to be very competitive now. So full respect, full credit to him.
Carlos doesn’t need advice from me. He has a huge team next to him. Every player works different. Carlos is from my country. I have a good relationship with him. We shared the Olympic Games together. We shared the Spanish team.
If Novak wins, I will be happy for him because what he’s doing at this stage of his career is quite spectacular. He shows an amazing passion for the game. But if I have to support someone, I support Carlos.
So good to hear commentary from Rafa.
Always wishing that I could see him on the court one more time. Tennis is not the same at this juncture, I understand Rafa’s reasons for supporting Alcaraz, but do not necessarily agree with his choice.
Thank you Rafa for being so generous in your praise for Novac but I hope Carlos wins.
Look forward to seeing you again Rafa, you are so missed. Enjoy your short stay with us and all the very best in the legends
Rafa is always so kind to Djokovic when he speaks of him.
Wonderful that Rafa’s there to support Carlos. Hope it inspires Carlos to a win.
Thank you, for coming down to Oz, Rafa!
What a great advantage Carlos has having Rafa to cheer him on! I wish him all the luck in the world world I’m sure he will win!