(VIDEO) Rafael Nadal returns to Australian Open to watch rival and lauded Spanish successor face off in final
ATPSunday, 01 February 2026 at 11:15
Rafael Nadal has returned to the Australian Open and is currently watching Novak Djokovic duke it out with Carlos Alcaraz in a match that can best be described as his biggest rival facing his anointed successor albeit that depends on if the comparisons between Alcaraz and Nadal are there.
But Nadal gave Djokovic a seal of approval after a perfect set against Alcaraz after he had done his other duties prior to the final. Nadal took part in a Night of Champions event on the Kia Arena with two iconic Aussie legends also there.
The two-time Australian Open champion and 22-time Grand Slam winner, Nadal produced some of the tournament's most incredible moments most notably his five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 final in what can best be described as one of the greatest comebacks in Grand Slam history.
He was also joined by another big ticket draw in Ashleigh Barty who became the first Australian woman in 44 years to win the singles title at Melbourne Park and despite walking away from the sport some would say at the peak of her powers post a Wimbledon title, Barty has remained involved in the sport through events like this.
Showing no desire as such to go into coaching or anything else really, she still shows that the love for the fans is still very much apparent and she appears yearly in these sort of events.
While Dylan Alcott, one of the most successful wheelchair players in Australian Open history was also there. All three shared stories about their storied careers and Nadal then took his seat to watch his two great rivals face off in the men's final. Kind of poetic.
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- Pegula will never beat any of the top players, in a Slam final, because the draw riggers have no confidence that she can even play tennis. Which is the reason why every tournament, her entire draw consist of opponents from the KIDDIE department. Just like Iga, Sabalenka, and some of the other tops on tour, they consistenly get hard draws, which helps them get better. When someone has to cheat to help you, it only weakens you as a players. Because you do not know what part of your game needs improvement.
- Those Doping Agents are controlled by the American Government. It an American players test is hot, they are going to sweep it under the carpet.
- Djokovic is the GOAT. He has the most Slams. Simple as that.
- "It’s difficult to say we don’t agree” Correction: It’s difficult to say [ I ] don’t agree. While she is an intelligent and well educated person, she may not be all that aware of certain character flaws. Perhaps a psychologist or ten might be of some help?
- Sabalenka should ignore that nonsense and continue doing what she does. The sport of tennis has been corrupted by the American government. And America is the most racist country on earth. It is clear that some players are being targeted for discrimination based on their nationality. Screaming hasn't just start in tennis. Sharapova, Serena, etc. always did scream and nothing was said. You cannot control ignorance.
- If she wants privacy, then she should quit tennis. The same thing happened to Sabalenka at the US Open after she loss the final, and no one was talking about privacy. Instead they criticized Sabalenka. Anyone who knows Gauff is well aware that she is a sore loser and cannot control her anger after a loss. You cannot tell someone where to place their cameras. She needs to separate herself from her parents and GROW UP. She is 21 years old.
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