Rafael Nadal is back at the Australian Open for the first time since he retired in late 2024 (Image: Getty)
It’s been a throwback Australian Open this year. Roger Federer turned up ahead of the tournament to play an exhibition match in the inaugural Opening Ceremony, Novak Djokovic has returned to the final here for the first time since 2023, and now Rafael Nadal is back in Melbourne Park.
The Spanish superstar, who lifted the trophy here in 2009 and 2022, is a Kia ambassador, and the car manufacturer also sponsors the Aussie Open. Nadal headed Down Under to mark Kia’s 25th anniversary, and will take part in the AO Night of Legends event on Sunday, ahead of the men’s singles final.
It’s been more than a year since Nadal retired at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, but one of his greatest rivals, Djokovic, is still going strong and is through to Sunday’s final to face Carlos Alcaraz. This is the Serbian superstar’s first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2024, and his first Down Under in three years.
Aged 38, Djokovic clinched a heroic victory at 1.30am local time in the early hours of Saturday, beating Jannik Sinner 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes. Sinner was the two-time reigning champion here, and his last previous loss came in the fourth round in 2023.
During his on-court interview, Djokovic said he was “reminiscing” about his historic five-hour and 53-minute win over Nadal in the 2012 final. And Nadal has now had his say on his old rival’s incredible win.
“I really believe that he is here for one simple reason – because if I don’t get injured, probably I will be here playing, too. When you like to do this thing, if you are not injured and if you are not, I mean, super tired mentally, why wouldn’t you be here?” the 39-year-old Spaniard told The Age.
“I think it’s a positive example of commitment, of resilience… I mean, Novak, for obvious reasons, he’s not at his prime, but he is still very, very competitive at an age that is difficult to be very competitive. So, full respect.”
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Novak Djokovic beat two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner to return to the Australian Open final (Image: Getty)
However, Nadal is backing his countryman, Alcaraz, to come out on top in Sunday’s final. The 22-year-old also needed five sets to beat Alexander Zverev on Friday, coming through 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-7 7-5 in five hours and 27 minutes – the longest semi-final in tournament history
Nadal, a 22-time Major winner, believes Alcaraz has age on his side when it comes to recovery. And he’d also rather see his compatriot, and doubles partner at the 2024 Olympics, claim the title.
“I’m sure he will recover even if it has been a long battle, the other semi-final wasn’t a short battle either. I think Carlos has more possibilities of recovering almost better than Novak,” the 39-year-old said.
“If Novak wins, I will be happy for him because in some ways, it is spectacular what he’s doing at this stage of his career. So I will be happy, it will not be a drama for me. But if I have to support someone, I feel I have to support Carlos.”