The Serb fell brief on the closing hurdle and his watch for a twenty fifth Grand Slam singles title goes on.
Novak Djokovic spoke after his Australian Open closing defeat (Picture: Getty)
Novak Djokovic stated it was “bizarre” to see Rafael Nadal sat within the stands and never on court docket through the 2026 Australian Open closing. Nadal was among the many 1000’s of spectators watching Carlos Alcaraz defeat Djokovic within the closing on Rod Laver Enviornment, with the Spanish ace triumphing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Because of this, Alcaraz turns into the youngest-ever participant to realize the Profession Grand Slam, having now gained a outstanding seven singles titles aged simply 22. He additionally denied Djokovic his personal piece of historical past, with the Serb’s goals of a record-breaking twenty fifth Grand Slam singles title dashed by the bubbling Alcaraz.
It wasn’t to be ultimately, however Djokovic remained in good spirits post-match, and was fast to reference his former foe Nadal within the on-court debrief. Pointing in the direction of the onlooking Nadal, Djokovic remarked: “I additionally need to converse to the legendary Rafa [Nadal] who’s within the stands.
“Clearly it feels very bizarre to see you there and never right here. I simply need to say it has been an honour to share the court docket with you. To have you ever right here watching this closing, first time for me, it’s a unusual feeling however thanks for being current. Too many Spanish legends, it felt like I used to be two in opposition to one tonight!”
Nadal wasn’t the one Spaniard Djokovic praised throughout his on-court interview, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion additionally filled with variety phrases for opponent Alcaraz. On Alcaraz’s achievement, Djokovic stated: “After all, congratulations Carlos. An incredible match and a tremendous couple of weeks. What you may have been doing, one of the best phrase to explain it’s historic. Legendary.
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“I want you better of luck for the remainder of your profession. You might be so younger you may have lots of time, like myself. I’m positive we will likely be seeing lots of one another over the following 10 years… not! I additionally should thank my staff for enduring me and giving me assist. It hasn’t been easy crusing because it by no means is. You guys had been my rock and you’ve got seen one of the best and worst of me over the previous few years however particularly the final three weeks.”
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