For more than a decade, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal defined the Australian Open by standing on opposite sides of the net. This time, the picture was different and, as Djokovic admitted, “very weird.”

In the 2026 Australian Open final, the Serbian legend looked up from Rod Laver Arena not to see his greatest rival warming up, but sitting in the stands as a spectator while Carlos Alcaraz fought him for the title. Djokovic came close, taking the opening set under the lights, but the night ultimately belonged to the next generation.

Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Australian Open final, breaking Nadal’s record to become the youngest player in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam. The world No. 1 triumphed 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, sealing his first Melbourne crown. During the trophy ceremony, Djokovic balanced humor with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging his longtime rival watching from the stands.

“I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands,” Novak Djokovic said in his speech. “Just a few words. Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here, you know? But I just want to say it’s been an honor to share the court with you, and to have you watching the finals here.”

“It’s a first time for me, and obviously a bit of a strange feeling. But thank you for being present. Too many Spanish legends, it felt like I was two against one tonight. It wasn’t fair, but okay.”

These two champions have created history on this very stage before. In the 2012 Australian Open final, Djokovic outlasted Nadal in a grueling 5-hour, 53-minute classic, the longest Grand Slam final ever. He won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5, leaving both men so drained they sat down during the trophy ceremony, a moment that remains one of the sport’s defining finals.

Nadal last faced Novak Djokovic at the 2022 French Open quarterfinal, where the Spaniard stormed through to claim the crown. Since then, the two legends have consistently shown mutual respect. Nole even stood courtside during Rafa’s emotional farewell ceremony at Roland Garros last year, paying tribute to the 23-time Grand Slam champion who defined an era.

This year’s Australian Open brought Novak Djokovic back into a Grand Slam final for the first time since Wimbledon 2024. In their 10th battle, Carlos Alcaraz evened the head-to-head at 5-5. Ahead of the final, the 14-time French Open champion was clear about where his support lay.

Novak Djokovic’s former rival makes his pick ahead of the AO final

Nadal shared a few thoughtful words at Melbourne Park on Saturday, reflecting on what it means to see Novak Djokovic still battling the sport’s best at 38. The 39-year-old Spaniard said it’s “a positive thing” for tennis to have the Serbian legend competing with players in their prime like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I have a good relationship with him [Alcaraz]; we competed in the Olympics together, we were both on the Spanish team…” Nadal told EFE. “If Novak wins, I’ll be happy for him because, in a way, what he’s doing is spectacular. It wouldn’t be a tragedy for me, but if I have to support someone, I feel I have to support Carlos,” he added, sounding both gracious and proud.

Djokovic might have fallen short in the Australian Open final on Sunday, February 1, but he earned a warm response from the Rod Laver Arena crowd. It was his first loss in an Australian Open final after ten wins, yet the Serb stayed cheerful, flashing smiles all match long.

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At one point during the tense showdown, he shared a light moment with Nadal sitting courtside. Turning toward him, Djokovic quipped, “Wanna play, Rafa?” The crowd burst into laughter as Nadal responded with a good-natured chuckle, showing a glimpse of mutual respect that only years of fierce rivalry could build.

Despite the loss in Melbourne, the season is far from over for Djokovic. Three more Grand Slams lie ahead, and despite Sunday’s result, Novak Djokovic has already shown he can still compete on tennis’s biggest stage at 38. Could this be the year he finally lifts that 25th major trophy?