Rafael Nadal attended the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Before the match, our champ also said he was cheering for Alcaraz. His fellow doubles partner, with whom he played at the Olympics in Paris, beat the Serbian in four sets (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5) and became the youngest player to achieve a Career Grand Slam at the age of 22. During the ceremony speech, both finalists had a few words to say to Rafa.
I also want to speak to the legendary Rafa who is in the stands. Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here. I just want to say it has been an honour to share the court with you. To have you here watching this final, first time for me, it is a strange feeling but thank you for being present. Too many Spanish legends, it felt like I was two against one tonight!
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
It’s a bit weird seeing Rafa 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.
CARLOS ALCARAZ
Have you seen the final yet? How did it feel seeing Rafa on screen again, even just as a fan?
It was a strange feeling with Rafa sitting in the stands, though he had an excellent seat! Surreal experience. He enjoyed the match but also had his game face on, such composure while the crowd ignited for Carlos!
I have nothing but admiration for Rafa, coming half-way ’round the world to be this tower of strength for his compatriot, Carlos. It speaks of the Spanish nationalism clearly displayed on this occasion: the youngest man at 22 to reach career Grand Slam status.
The Spanish baton has been clearly passed on last night by who to me is the greatest of all time by virtue of the manner he went about the game in a humble, respectful way to the younger man already travelling the same trajectory as the Legend that is Rafael Nadal.
I salute Carlos for achieving this feat.
And the baton of greatness enriched by sportsmanship has been passed.
It was bitter-sweet for me.
One of the nicest things about Grand Slam finals is seeing former players there. It’s strange thinking of Rafa in those terms, but it’s lovely that he remains part of the tennis community.
It was lovely to see Rafa in the stands smiling away. I miss him so much. I wanted to go into my tv screen and give him a huge hug.
It’s GREAT to see Rafa at any given moment on any given day! Love you Champ!
ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE RAFA IN WHATEVER CAPACITY. MISS HIM VERY MUCH ON THE COURTS..💕💕
So happy to see Rafa routing for Alcaraz and enjoying the game. But I will never stop missing Rafa to me he will always be the best player in the world. Always kind and humble. A true stand alone player. I will always miss him.
I was having debate on greatness of Nadal, Federer & Djokovic with Chat GPT. It will be long to write all of that but I posed one last Q to it – which record will stand as the test of time; will it be Djokovic’s 24 grand slams coupled with more weeks/ days as No.1 in tennis or Nadal’s record of winning FO 4 times without losing a set.
The answer is : 1st one plausible but the second one( Nadal’s supremacy in winning 4 slams without losing a set) will last forever.