This Monday, Novak Djokovic landed in Australia, nearly a year after he was expelled due to a COVID-19 vaccination issue. Rafael Nadal, who won the Australian Open in 2022, may find it harder to defend his championship now that Djokovic is back, but the Spanish legend says he is happy to see Djokovic compete.
“Here is Novak. suited to tennis. Good likely for the fans, “added Nadal. The best athletes on the field usually prevail.
Djokovic has won at Melbourne Park a record nine times and will be the most searched athlete on Google in 2022. As he gets ready to compete for his 10th victory at the Australian Open, he will begin his 2023 campaign at the Adelaide International 1. Djokovic told Sport Klub that he is eager to participate in Australia once more and that he has no bitter emotions over his deportation.
Melbourne will always hold a special place in Djokovic’s heart. “What happened was difficult for a while to process, but I had to move on. I’m excited to play there, even if it won’t be able to fully replace the wonderful experiences I’ve had there over the years.
“I want to be in the greatest shape possible there because it’s my favorite Slam.”
With at least two victories in each of the four major championships, Nadal and Djokovic are two of the most dominant athletes of the Open Era. They are frequently regarded to as being among the “Big 3,” which also featured Rodger Federer, who will stop competing in Grand Slam tournaments and the ATP Tour in 2022.
In 2022, the two seasoned athletes enjoyed successful campaigns as Nadal won the French Open and Djokovic won Wimbledon. They have faced off 59 times, with Djokovic slightly having a 30-29 lead overall. When it comes to achievements, these two fierce rivals frequently tie one other up. With a total of 21 major championships, Djokovic is just one away from tying Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams.
In preparation for his participation in the inaugural United Cup, which begins on December 29 and lasts through January 8, Nadal is now training in Sydney. Australia-born Nick Kyrgios announced his withdrawal from the tournament on the day before it began due to injury.
Not just Nadal rejoiced at Djokovic’s return to Melbourne Park. In a news conference this week, Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, stated that Djokovic will be the toughest opponent.
In Australia, Novak is welcome, Tiley added. I believe he is currently in Adelaide and will once again be the player to beat in the Australian Open.
On January 16, the Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park.
