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Rafael Nadal picks his favourite for Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open final

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Rafael Nadal has picked his favourite for the Australian Open final as he prepares to witness history in the match between compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and long-time rival Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, the two-time Australian Open winner and 22-time grand slam champion, will be court-side at the Rod Laver Arena to witness history on Sunday, returning to the tournament for the first time since his retirement from the sport in 2024.

Both finalists are close to Nadal. His epic rivalry with Djokovic includes their record-breaking 2012 Australian Open final, the longest grand slam final of all time at five hours and 53 minutes, while he and Alcaraz played together at the Olympics and his fellow Spaniard is now following in his footsteps.

Nadal said he has ‘full respect’ for Djokovic as he continues to fight for more records

Nadal said he has ‘full respect’ for Djokovic as he continues to fight for more records (AP)

Djokovic, at 38, stands a win away from a 25th grand slam singles title that would given him the sole ownership of the all-time record, and make him the oldest grand slam champion in the Open era. Alcaraz, at 22, can become the youngest man in history to complete the career grand slam, should he win the Australian Open title that completes the set.

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As quoted by the Australian Open website, Nadal said: “Carlos is from my country. I have a good relationship with him. We shared the Olympic Games together. We shared the Spanish team.

“If Novak wins, I will be happy for him because what he’s doing at this stage of his career is quite spectacular. He shows an amazing passion for the game.

“But if I have to support someone, I support Carlos.”

In 2022, Nadal won the 21st grand slam title of his career in Melbourne when he defeated Daniil Medvedev from two sets down. At 35 years old and with Nadal’s body creaking, it was an epic fightback over five hours and 24 minutes.

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Four years later, his great rival Djokovic is still going at the age of 38. After beating defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday, Djokovic can become the oldest grand slam champion in the Open era.

Nadal praised the 24-time grand slam champion. “With Novak, we had an amazing story,” Nadal said. “All those years competing for the most important things.

Djokovic will bid for more tennis history 14 years after he defeated Nadal in the longest grand slam final of all time

Djokovic will bid for more tennis history 14 years after he defeated Nadal in the longest grand slam final of all time (Getty Images)

“I think it’s a positive example of commitment, resilience and in some ways it’s a positive thing to have somebody like him, at his age, fighting with the players that are younger and they are at the prime.

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“Novak, for obvious reasons, he’s not at his prime, but still very, very competitive at an age that is difficult to be very competitive now. So full respect, full credit to him.”

Nadal said he was looking forward to watching the final as a fan.

“That part of my life is over,” Nadal said. “Of course it’s forever going to be in my heart. I have a completely different mindset. Much more relaxed. No pressure at all.

“It’s going to be a pleasure to watch the final [in person]. I haven’t been in a professional match for a while. I just want to enjoy another great battle and a great level of tennis.”

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How old is Lee Hi? Age difference with Dok2 explored amidst reported relationship and joint label launch

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Singer Lee Hi (Lee Hae-yi) and Dok2 (Lee Joon-kyung) have finally confirmed their romance, with their connection dating back to the MBC reality program, Infinite Challenge. Over time, the pair had maintained a steady bond through collaborative music projects. Also, as reported, they had been together since late 2022.

This now marks their fifth year as a couple. At the same time, both artists acknowledged their relationship on social media, referring to each other as “MY MAN” and “MY LADY.” As fellow musicians, they also share a six-year age gap. Lee Hi was born in 1996. Meanwhile, Joon-kyung was born in 1990. Lee Hi debuted in 2012 after finishing runner up in the 2011 SBS audition show K-pop Star season 1. Dok2 debuted earlier in 2005, gaining recognition through the program Show Me the Money.

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Here’s more about Lee Hi and Dok2’s relationship

Looking back, the origin of Lee Hi and Dok2’s relationship traces to the 2016 broadcast of Infinite Challenge‘s Great Heritage. During that episode, Joon-kyung teamed up with Yoo Jae-suk. Together, they released the track Like. Soon after, Lee Hi joined the project as a featured vocalist. This moment, in turn, marked the beginning of their connection.

Even before this, Joon-kyung had already worked with Lee Hi. He appeared on FXXK WIT US (Feat. DOK2), a track from her album SEOULITE. From then onward, they maintained steady creative exchanges. For example, Lee Hi later featured on Joon-kyung’s March 2017 album Rborn, contributing to the track On & On (Feat. Lee Hi).

On March 28, the pair officially confirmed their romantic relationship by releasing their first joint single, You & Me. As attention grew after the release, the couple chose to directly address their relationship. Lee Hi shared a couple of photos on social media, writing,

“To my one and only DOK2 and 808HI, happy birthday. It’s been a long journey, and finally, this day has come. Congratulations on your birthday, my person (MY MAN) Dok2. This is our celebration. Turn up the music and celebrate the start of our journey together.”

The mentioned ‘808 HI RECORDING’ is a label co-established by the two. The name “808” links to Joon-kyung’s brand. Meanwhile, “HI” comes from Lee Hi’s name. A photo of them holding hands was also shared. Meanwhile, he also posted,

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“Have you all been listening closely? More songs are coming soon,” referring to Lee Hi as “MY LADY.”

Along with it, an image showed Lee Hi with an arm around her waist. On the same day, Lee Hi appeared with Dok2 during a live broadcast. At one point, both said, “Well done.” Lee Hi also said, “Happy birthday,” as the rapper marked his birthday. Then, while addressing viewers, Lee Hi added, “Today is (the ax) birthday. Please wish me a happy birthday.”


Their relationship was already known within the hip-hop scene. After the rumors spread, rappers Sleepyand DinDin reacted by leaving “likes” on posts sharing the news. In particular, Sleepy commented, “Let’s get married.”