Carlos Alcaraz trains with Novak Djokovic’s former rival ahead of the Australian Open final

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Carlos Alcaraz has chosen an interesting practice partner ahead of his Australian Open final with Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz came through a thriller to beat Alexander Zverev in the semifinals, after struggling with cramp when he was two sets to love up.

That was not the only semifinal that went the distance, and as a result neither Alcaraz nor Djokovic trained on site at the Australian Open a day before their final.

However, Alcaraz, who is bidding to complete the Career Slam, has been spotted practicing on Rod Laver Arena with a former rival of Djokovic’s just hours before the final.

Carlos Alcaraz practices with former top 10 player ahead of the Australian Open final

Alcaraz was spotted practicing with former world number eight Diego Schwartzman ahead of the Australian Open final with Djokovic.

Schwartzman, who retired from tennis last year, is now working with Tennis Australia, but has still been available as a practice partner to Alcaraz on multiple occasions this year.

This is particularly significant, as Schwartzman reached the peak of his career when Djokovic was the world number one.

Schwartzman is actually friends with Djokovic, but was never able to beat the Serbian in their seven meetings.

This includes the final of the 2020 Italian Open, where Djokovic lifted the title after beating Schwartzman in the final.

Schwartzman will now be looking to get his first victory over Djokovic after training his opponent ahead of the Australian Open final.

Where does that performance rank out of Novak Djokovic’s best of all time?

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Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Head-to-Head

Alcaraz is the favorite to beat Djokovic in the Australian Open final, but the Spaniard is actually behind in their head-to-head.

In their nine previous encounters, Djokovic has won five of the matches he has played against Alcaraz.

This includes Djokovic beating Alcaraz at the Australian Open last year, which he will look to repeat on an even bigger stage in the final.

However, Alcaraz has the most recent victory in his rivalry with Djokovic after beating him at the US Open last year.

Whatever happens in the Australian Open final, history is confirmed to be happening, as Alcaraz bids to become the youngest player to complete the Career Grand Slam, while Djokovic attempts to become the first player to win 25 singles majors.