The proceedings at the Rod Laver Arena stretched well past 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, yet the atmosphere remained electric as Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old stalwart of the game, turned back the clock in spectacular fashion. Having clawed his way back from a two-sets-to-one deficit to defeat the two-time reigning champion Jannik Sinner, Djokovic was in high spirits despite the gruelling four-hour tussle. Addressing the crowd, he quipped that they had certainly received full value for their tickets, before mischievously adding a demand for tournament director Craig Tiley: “I want 10 percent of tonight’s tickets sold. Craig, 10 percent, no negotiations.”
The victory was significant not just for the berth in the final, but for snapping a five-match losing streak against the Italian. Djokovic admitted the match evoked memories of his epic 2012 final against Rafael Nadal. With characteristic wit, he explained the sudden shift in fortunes against Sinner: “He had my mobile number, so I had to change my number for tonight.” On a more serious note, he paid tribute to Sinner’s quality, acknowledging that the young Italian pushed him to the absolute limit.
A Clash of Generations Awaits
The path to a historic 25th major title now goes through Carlos Alcaraz. The top seed had his own marathon session, enduring a five-hour, 27-minute battle to overcome Alexander Zverev. Djokovic, who has never lost a final at the Australian Open, revealed a brief interaction with the Spaniard. “I told him, ‘I’m an old man, I need to go earlier to sleep,’” Djokovic recounted. He is keenly aware of the challenge ahead, noting that his primary desire is simply to have enough “gas” to stand toe-to-toe with the World No. 1.
Nadal Weighs In on the ‘GOAT’ Debate
While Djokovic continues to script history Down Under, his long-time rival Rafael Nadal, now observing the sport from retirement, has sought to quell a brewing controversy regarding the sport’s hierarchy. During a charity golf event in Madrid, the Spaniard addressed recent comments by coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who had suggested that Alcaraz and Sinner were playing at a level above the legendary trio of Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer. Nadal dismissed this notion as fundamentally flawed, employing a football analogy to make his point.
“The analysis of that gentleman is wrong,” Nadal opined. “It is like analysing the Messi of today with the Messi who played for Barcelona, or the Cristiano Ronaldo of today with the one at Real Madrid.” He emphasised that such comparisons across different eras are moot, and that the tennis fraternity should simply feel blessed to witness Alcaraz’s rise while still enjoying Djokovic’s enduring brilliance.
No Longer a Promise, But a Legend
Nadal was particularly categorical when asked if Alcaraz represents the future “promise” of Spanish tennis. He rejected the label outright. “No, no, he is not a promise. He has seven Grand Slams… He is already a legend of our sport,” Nadal asserted, pointing out that few players in history have reached such a tally.
Now watching as a fan, Nadal expressed that he feels no bitterness about his own retirement, stating he is “totally happy” to see his colleagues triumph. Regarding Sunday’s blockbuster final in Melbourne, Nadal was pragmatic yet appreciative of what is at stake. He noted that opportunities are becoming scarce for Djokovic at this stage of his career, and regardless of the result, what the Serbian continues to achieve is simply to be admired.
