Carlos Alcaraz shares Rafael Nadal chat and admits Novak Djkovic error | Tennis | Sport

Carlos Alcaraz shared what Rafael Nadal told him about his performance after clinching the Australian Open title. The 22-year-old achieved his career Grand Slam earlier this month by defeating Novak Djokovic in the final at the Rod Laver Arena. 

Despite being world No.1, the Spanish ace had never previously gone beyond the quarter-final stage at the Melbourne major. Alcaraz faced early adversity in his showdown with Djokovic as the veteran claimed the first set 6-2. However, the new Australian Open champion regrouped to clinch the next three sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and achieve a career milestone. Tennis legend Nadal was in attendance for the final and Alcaraz recalled what his compatriot said to him during their post-match discussion.

“Rafa congratulated me and we talked a little bit about the match, about how well Novak started, how difficult it was,” Alcaraz told Marca. “I told him that tactically, I started in a way that didn’t work. I was playing very straight and he told me that he saw it that way too.”

He continued: “We didn’t talk much because I had my things and he was leaving. It was a very special moment to hug Rafa with the trophy in my hand.”

Alcaraz secured a seventh Grand Slam title, while denying Djokovic his 25th major win and moving their head-to-head record to five victories apiece. Alcaraz also faced Nadal on three occasions, claiming a sole victory over his idol at the 2022 Madrid Open, but it was as team-mates that the pair strengthened their bond.

During his retirement year, Nadal opted to pair up with Alcaraz for the doubles event at the Paris Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals. Both men were also part of Spain’s team for the Davis Cup, where Nadal called time on his career It has been a whirlwind few years for Alcaraz and he reflected on the honour of having Nadal as a mentor.

“You have to appreciate things,” he said to El Partidazo de COPE. “You have to stop for a moment and think about everything you are doing. And enjoy it. And appreciate it.

“Having Rafa watching the match made the day even more special. The fact that Rafa congratulates me and is happy for my successes and for me reflects what a wonderful person he is.

“I already said this at the Olympics, when I got to know him better, but it’s an incredible feeling to be able to say that I talk to him as an equal and a friend.”