Nadal respects Djokovic's resilience but backs Alcaraz to win Australian Open title

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, believes world number one Alcaraz is the clear favourite to lift the title.

Nadal, a two-time Australian Open winner himself, is set to attend the final and praised the rise of his fellow Spaniard on the sport's biggest stages.

"I think the favourite is Carlos," Nadal told host broadcaster 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) favourite is Carlos from my point of view."

Despite tipping Alcaraz for victory, Nadal was careful not to discount Djokovic, who reached his 11th Australian Open final after a gruelling five-set semi-final win over 24-year-old Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic, now 38, has won all 10 of his previous Australian Open finals, a record Nadal acknowledged with admiration.

Nadal said it was a positive sign for tennis that Djokovic continues to compete at the highest level against younger stars such as Alcaraz and Sinner.

"I think it's a positive example of commitment, of resilience," Nadal told in an interview with the Melbourne Age newspaper.

"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." 

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