Rafael Nadal may not have taken part in the Australian Open final, but he still managed to give the tennis world a few special moments to revel in.
Throughout Sunday night’s men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, television cameras repeatedly cut to Nadal seated courtside at one end of Rod Laver Arena.
Each appearance was met with applause from the crowd.
The Spanish great was seen reacting to rallies from both players, looking excited as he watched on.
During the early stages of the fourth set, as momentum shifted toward Alcaraz, Djokovic turned toward Nadal after a winner and addressed him directly.
“Wanna play Rafa?” Djokovic quipped, with Nadal shaking his head as he laughed off the question.
Nadal’s involvement continued after the match, when he was seen backstage congratulating the 22-year-old Alcaraz following his victory.
The win made Alcaraz the youngest men’s player to complete the Career Grand Slam.
During their exchange, Alcaraz appeared to say, “It’s very tough against Novak”, to which Nadal replied, “I know”, before the two embraced and exchanged further words.
The moments were widely shared and praised by fans on social media.
“Two generations. One legacy. Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal sharing a moment after the final — pure tennis history,” one fan wrote on X.
“What a beautiful moment,” another said.
“Novak Djokovic to Rafa Nadal during the Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz: ‘Wanna play, Rafa?’ Iconic moment between two of the greatest to ever pick up a tennis racquet,” prominent tennis account, The Tennis Letter commented on X.
“Absolute legendary moment from the AO Final. Novak Djokovic, mid-battle against Carlos Alcaraz, turns to Rafa Nadal and says: ‘Wanna play, Rafa?’ Two GOATs. One arena. Pure tennis magic. Fans lost it. History just smiled,” a fourth added.
Nadal later shared a message for both finalists on social media.
“Congratulations, Alcaraz on winning the Australian Open and completing the Career Grand Slam!” he wrote.
“Congratulations, Djokovic on reaching another final in Melbourne and continuing to make history in our sport. Thank you for your words during the ceremony!”
Both Alcaraz and Djokovic also reflected on Nadal’s presence after the match.
“This moment is really special, having Rafa in the stands made it even more special,” Alcaraz said.
“Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia in front of Rafa was crazy to be honest.
“After the semi-final (against Alexander Zverev), I thought about his semi-final in 2009 when he played against Fernando Verdasco, he came back physically and played such a great final against Federer and won.
“I was thinking a little about it … not thinking about how I feel physically, it’s just about pushing through and having him there … it gave me a good mindset.”
Djokovic echoed the sentiment, while acknowledging the unusual circumstances.
“The legendary Rafa, who is in the stands, just a few words,” Novak Djokovic said during the post-match ceremony.
“Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here. But, I just want to say that it has been an honour to share the court with you.
“Having you watch the final is the first time for me. Bit of a strange feeling, but thank you for being present.”
Images: Nine
