Australian open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic share 'weird' remarks for Rafael Nadal. Watch here

Australian open 2026 has a new champion and it's Carlos Alcaraz who has become the youngest tennis player to achieve career grand slam tournaments at the age of 22, surpassing Rafael Nadal who won Wimbledon, U.S. Open, French Open, and Australian Open at the age of 24. Novak Djokovic has the men's record for 24 major singles titles. Post-match both Djokovic and Alcaraz have 'weird' remarks for Nadal.

Talking during the post-match conference, Djokovic lauded the "legendary Rafa" saying it was an honour to share the court with the Spaniard who won 22 grand slam titles.

Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion and a two-time Australian Open winner, was front row at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday and grinned as he watched his compatriot rally from a ‍set down to become the second Spaniard to claim the title.




"It's a bit weird seeing Rafa ‍in the ⁠stands," Alcaraz said, ⁠addressing Nadal.

"I think it's the first time as a professional because I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old. It's such an honour playing in front of you, we had great battles on the court and it was an honour sharing the court with you. Thank you for being here," Alcaraz said.



Carlos Alcaraz praised Novak Djokovic ‍as an inspiration and gave a shout-out to compatriot Rafa Nadal ⁠after downing the Serbian great in four sets on Sunday to claim his first Australian Open title.

Alcaraz, 22, celebrated becoming the youngest ‌man to ‌complete the career Grand Slam by winning all four majors after overhauling Djokovic ‌2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 at floodlit Rod Laver Arena.

"You're talking about how I'm doing the things, amazing things, but what you're doing is really inspiring," the Spaniard said at the trophy ceremony after grabbing the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.

"Not only for the tennis players, ‌but the ‍athletes, all the persons around the world. ‍And for me, as well. For me, I just ‌enjoyed so much watching you play. It's been an honour sharing the locker (room)," Djokovic said.