‘Full respect’ for Djokovic, but Nadal tips Alcaraz for the title in Melbourne

Rafael Nadal says he has “complete respect” for old rival Novak Djokovic but tipped Spanish compatriot Carlos Alcaraz to win the Australian Open final on Sunday.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who retired from tennis in 2024, will attend the blockbuster title match in Melbourne.

A two-time Australian Open champion himself, Nadal believes world number one Alcaraz is the clear favorite but would not be surprised if 38-year-old Djokovic causes an upset.

“I think Carlos is the favorite,” Nadal told the host Channel Nine on Saturday.

“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.

“(But) favorite is Carlos from my point of view.”

Spoken separately to the Melbourne era In the paper, Nadal said it was “positive” to see someone of Djokovic’s age fighting Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic stunned the 24-year-old Sinner in the semi-finals over five tough sets to reach his eleventh Australian Open final. He has won all the previous 10.

“I really believe he is here for one simple reason: because if I don’t get injured, I will probably play here too,” said Nadal, who is a year older than Djokovic.

“If you love doing this, if you’re not injured and you’re not super tired mentally, why wouldn’t you be here?

‘I think it is a positive example of commitment, of resilience.

“I mean, Novak, for obvious reasons he’s not at his best, but he’s still very, very competitive at an age where it’s hard to be very competitive. So all due respect.”

Djokovic is trying to become the oldest man to win the Australian Open. 37-year-old Ken Rosewall won it in 1972.

He also aims to finally win a record 25th Grand Slam and surpass Margaret Court, who is also expected to watch at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.