Novak Djokovic said on Wednesday that Nadal remains his biggest on-the-court rival despite the rise of 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz who currently trails as second-ranked on the ATP list and was at the top of the standings before his leg injury that prevented him from playing at the Australian open.
Alcaraz "is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport or he's already there." Djokovic said.
"I just feel that the rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate. Nadal has been the biggest rival and he probably will remain the biggest rival I ever had in my career," Djokovic said.
Djokovic made a triumphant return to the tournament in January after Australia lifted the strict vaccine mandate to win his 22nd Grand Slam title, tying the record with Rafael Nadal.