Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

'I Have to Support Him': Rafael Nadal Weighs In on Djokovic vs Alcaraz Final

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Zain Mustafa | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 2:25 PM ET

For the first time since 2023, Rafael Nadal is back at the Australian Open, where he is set to take part in a host of activities ahead of the men’s final on Sunday — a final that will feature his long-time rival Novak Djokovic going up against his apparent protege, Carlos Alcaraz.

A two-time champion in Melbourne, Nadal is set to be a prominent figure off the court in the build-up to the men’s final. Earlier today, he received a custom “EV9 Art Car” from Kia, a sponsor of both the Australian Open and Nadal himself, to celebrate the nearly two-decade run the Spaniard had at the tournament.

That relationship famously crescendoed in 2022, when Nadal produced one of the most miraculous title runs in Australian Open history to lift the trophy for the second and final time.

Nadal to Headline “Night of Legends”

However, the main event for the Spaniard will take place on Sunday, just before the men’s final gets underway, in an event titled “Night of Legends.” Nadal will be joined by Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott in a fun, interactive celebration of Australian Open history with Kia.

Following the event, Nadal is also confirmed to be in the stands for the men’s final.

Who Will Nadal Be Rooting For?

As part of his media commitments on Saturday, many were curious to know who Nadal would be supporting in a final featuring two players he knows extremely well.

When asked the question, Nadal admitted that there would be “no drama” for him regardless of the outcome, but he did offer insight into where his loyalties might slightly lean.

“Honestly, I have mixed feelings because my history with Novak is spectacular. We competed at the highest level for many years, and I wish him all the best. Honestly, if he wins, I’ll be very happy for him. But on the other hand, Carlos is my compatriot, and we’ve shared important moments at the Olympic Games, so I have to support him.”

A Full-Circle Moment

Sunday’s final will mark the first tennis match Nadal has watched live from the stands since his retirement at the Davis Cup in 2024 — a tournament in which Carlos Alcaraz was also his teammate on the Spanish team.

Interestingly, ahead of the final, Alcaraz himself referenced his idol, saying that his long, physical semifinal battle “reminds me a little bit of when Rafa had that great semifinal in Australia.” That match also came when Nadal was chasing his first Australian Open title, just as Alcaraz now is.

No matter what unfolds on Sunday night, the match will not be short of legendary presence, both on the court and in the stands. With Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz contesting what could be one of the most legacy-defining matches of this era, and Rafael Nadal watching on in Melbourne once again, the 2026 Australian Open men’s final feels like a moment where generations collide.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: