Just before Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic walked onto Rod Laver Arena, a brief standing ovation was given by members of the crowd who spotted 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal taking his seat in the front row.
If Alcaraz, who is aged 22, wins tonight he will dethrone Nadal as the youngest player to complete the career slam.
Rafa Nadal addresses fans at KIA Arena on Sunday.Credit: Eddie Jim
Nadal was 24 when he achieved the feat.
Interestingly, Rod Laver was the first player in the Open era to complete the career slam, doing so in 1969.
Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Alcaraz’s opponent tonight, Novak Djokovic, are the other men to have completed the feat.
