Rafael Nadal commended his long-standing opponent Novak Djokovic as the utmost player in the sport on Wednesday. "In my opinion, yes (he is the best), the statistics confirm that," Nadal stated in an interview with El Objective de La Sexta when queried about "who is the finest?" Djokovic possesses 24 major championship victories, surpassing Nadal's 22 when he emerged victorious in the French Open the previous year.

Nonetheless, the contentious Serbian top-ranked player struggles to gain support from audiences with his actions outside of the tennis court. "I believe he is a decent individual; his reputation is worse than his true character," Nadal included. "He experiences periods of dissatisfaction." Novak breaks his racquet, but in the next point he performs at full capacity once again and that's the finest I've ever witnessed.

Nadal, 37 years old, has been facing difficulties with his physical condition and was absent from action for most of the year 2023. He got hurt once again a few weeks ago and didn't participate in the Australian Open. As his profession is coming to an end, Nadal praised his fellow countryman and future player Carlos Alcaraz, who has already been victorious in two major competitions at the young age of 20. "Carlos possesses an astonishing tennis skill, he is a highly skilled player in all aspects," Nadal stated. "He lacks shortcomings similar to the ones I had during his current stage of life." He possesses all the necessary elements to establish a remarkable profession.