Djokovic explains why Nadal’s presence at the Australian Open final felt somewhat unusual to him.

For more than ten years, Djokovic and Nadal’s rivalry across the net has been a celebrated story in tennis. Yet this occasion was entirely distinct, as Djokovic admitted, “It felt very odd.”

During the 2026 Australian Open men’s final, the Serbian legend looked up from Rod Laver Arena and no longer saw his greatest rival warming up on the court, but instead saw him sitting in the stands, watching as he competed against Alcaraz for the title. Djokovic came close to victory, taking the first set under the night lights, but ultimately, the evening belonged to the new generation.

Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Australian Open final, breaking Nadal’s record to become the youngest player in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam. The world number one won 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to claim his first Australian Open title. During the trophy ceremony, Djokovic struck a balance between humor and sincerity, paying tribute to his old rival seated in the stands.

“I want to say a few words to the legend Rafa sitting in the stands,” Djokovic said in his speech. “Obviously, it feels really strange to see you sitting there instead of standing here. But I just want to say it’s an honor to have shared the court with you and to be watched by you here in the final.”

“This is a first for me, and clearly a bit unusual. But thank you for coming to the event. Tonight, there are so many Spanish legends here, it feels like two against one, which isn’t quite fair, but it’s okay.”

These two champions have made history together on this very court. In the 2012 Australian Open final, Djokovic defeated Nadal in an epic battle lasting 5 hours and 53 minutes, the longest Grand Slam final ever. He won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5, with both players exhausted, even sitting down during the trophy ceremony—a moment still regarded as one of tennis’s most iconic finals.

Nadal last faced Djokovic in the 2022 French Open quarterfinals, where the Spaniard went on to claim the title decisively. Since then, the two legends have consistently shown mutual respect. At Nadal’s farewell ceremony at Roland Garros last year, Djokovic stood by the court to honor the 22-time Grand Slam champion and symbol of an era.

This year’s Australian Open marked Djokovic’s return to a Grand Slam final for the first time since Wimbledon 2024. In their tenth meeting, Alcaraz leveled their head-to-head record at 5-5. Before the final, the 14-time French Open champion also clearly expressed his support.

Last Saturday, Nadal shared his thoughts at Melbourne Park, commenting on the significance of 38-year-old Djokovic still competing fiercely with top players. The 39-year-old Spaniard said it was “a positive thing” for tennis to witness the Serbian legend competing alongside peak-form players like Sinner and Alcaraz.

“I have a good relationship with him (Alcaraz); we’ve been to the Olympics together and are both part of the Spanish national team…” Nadal told EFE. “If Novak wins, I’ll be happy for him because what he’s doing is remarkable. It wouldn’t be a tragedy for me, but if I had to choose someone to support, I think it should be Carlos.” He spoke with generosity and pride.

Although Djokovic was disappointed by his loss in the Australian Open final on Sunday, February 1st, he still received a warm response from the Rod Laver Arena crowd. This was his first defeat in an Australian Open final after winning ten times previously.

During the intense match, he even shared a light moment with Nadal sitting in the stands. Djokovic turned and joked, “Want to come up and play, Rafa?” The audience burst into laughter, and Nadal responded with a friendly smile, showing the mutual respect born from years of fierce competition.

Despite the loss in Melbourne, Djokovic’s season is far from over. Three more Grand Slam tournaments await him. Regardless of last Sunday’s result, the 38-year-old has once again proven he can compete at the highest level. Could this be the year he finally lifts his 25th Grand Slam trophy?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)