By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Picture credit score: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty
The King of Clay praised the Grand Slam king’s longevity—and suggests followers ought to treasure Novak Djokovic’s play as a result of his Grand Slam finish is in sight.
Rafael Nadal spoke to Spanish media on the Spin & Swing charity golf match, spotlighting former rival Djokovic’s run to the Australian Open remaining—and taking goal at Coach Patrick Mouratoglou’s latest feedback suggesting the New 2 have surpassed the Large 3 in high quality of play.
In an Instagram submit Mouratoglou stated that the 38-year-old Djokovic’s dynamic semifinal victory over 24-year-old Jannik Sinner within the Australian Open semifinals doesn’t negate the very fact the world No. 2 had overwhelmed the Grand Slam king 5 instances in a row earlier than that Melbourne assembly.
“For individuals who assume that Djokovic beating Sinner within the semifinal of the Australian Open signifies that the Large 3 is enjoying higher tennis than Alcaraz and Sinner,” Mouratoglou posed on Instagram. “This can be a very brief view.
“To begin with, you are taking one match and also you make a rule out of it. Simply keep in mind that Sinner had gained the 5 earlier matches that they performed in opposition to one another. Only one match is not going to make me change my thoughts about what I’ve seen for the final two to a few years.
“Jannik strikes quicker, hits tougher, takes the ball earlier, and serves higher than Novak. However Novak is the strongest psychological in tennis within the historical past and that’s what made the distinction. That’s what made his complete profession.”
Nadal, who was available to observe Alcaraz defeat Djokovic within the AO remaining and change into the youngest man to finish the profession Grand Slam, posted a “laughing so exhausting I’m crying” emoji response to Coach Patrick. Although Nadal (or maybe his social media supervisor) subsequently deleted his reply, it was captured by some on social media.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion known as Mouratoglou’s evaluation fallacious on the charity golf match.
“Alcaraz is on the nice practice of tennis legends however I don’t see the controversy. I left a remark after which eliminated it as a result of I didn’t wish to create any controversy about something,” Nadal told Spanish media in comments published by AS.com. “I feel Mouratoglou’s evaluation is fallacious, ultimately it’s like in case you evaluate Messi at the moment with the Messi who performed for Barça, or as in case you evaluate Cristiano Ronaldo at the moment with the one who performed right here at Madrid.
“That is merely my perspective, then everybody makes their profession. I by no means stated, nor will I say, that some are higher than others, ultimately the profession of every one will mark who has been higher. They’re nice ambassadors for our sport at the moment.
“I feel we’ve to be comfortable to have somebody like Djokovic who continues to be up there after so a few years on the tour. Having Carlos for us I feel is a blessing. To have a participant like Carlos who represents us all around the world and on high of that’s taking tennis to an unbelievable degree, I feel we will solely get pleasure from and recognize it.”
Patrick Mouratoglou:
“Considering that Alcaraz and Sinner aren’t higher than the Large Three simply because Novak beat Sinner on the Australian Open is a short-term view.”
Rafa Nadal’s response: “🤭🫣🤣🤣🤣” pic.twitter.com/hiE47kSyxM
— Swish 🍒 Tennis (@Zwxsh) February 5, 2026
The 14-time Roland Garros champion stated the very fact Djokovic continues to be contesting Grand Slam finals in opposition to opponents 16 years youthful than him is outstanding, however cautioned the 38-year-old Serbian famous person is nearing the tip of his Grand Slam profession.
“I feel Djokovic has left a powerful profession and continues to play as a result of for the time being he can. I don’t assume we have to discuss whether or not it’s good for tennis or not,” Nadal stated. “If one wins, if one other wins. He had an excellent alternative in Melbourne, and at this level in his profession, to be sincere, he doesn’t have that many left.
“However I feel it’s admirable what he’s attaining.”
