Rafael Nadal has given an honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning a 25th Grand Slam after his Australian Open 2026 final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
Tennis great Rafael Nadal has shared a brutally honest opinion on long-time rival Novak Djokovic and his chances of winning a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic missed out on his record 25th major title earlier this month after he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Australian Open 2026.
Speaking during a charity golf tournament at the Club de Campo in Madrid, Nadal was asked about Djokovic’s bid for a 25th Grand Slam title after the recent Australian Open heroics. The Spaniard, who watched the final from Melbourne Park, did not shy away from sharing his thoughts.
“It’s done; I don’t think we need to analyse tennis based on who wins. He had an opportunity in Melbourne, and at this stage of his career, to be honest, he doesn’t have that many left, and I think what he’s achieving is admirable,” Nadal said.
Djokovic’s only hurdle to 25th Grand Slam
Novak Djokovic, who currently holds the record for the most men’s singles Grand Slam titles in the Open Era, claimed his 24th major at the US Open in 2023. Since then, the Serbian star has been chasing a historic 25th title, which would further cement his legacy in the sport and push him ahead of Margaret Court.
Nadal, however, suggested that opportunities are becoming limited for his former rival, considering his age and the growing competition from younger players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Australian Open once again showed the shift in men’s tennis, with the new generation continuing to dominate.
The 38-year-old became the oldest player to reach the Australian Open final this year. He reached the AO summit clash for the 11th time after defeating Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. However, Djokovic was denied the 25th major title after losing to Alcaraz in four sets.
Meanwhile, Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Qatar Open in Doha due to strong fatigue, the tournament announced Wednesday. Alcaraz and Sinner are the top two seeds at the ATP 500 event. The Serbian is expected to play in only the Grand Slams this year to avoid fitness issues.
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