Djokovic has repeatedly stated that he does not feel resentful about being kicked out of Australia in 2022 for violating the country’s coronavirus regulations.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have the two largest collections of Grand Slam awards in men’s tennis history. In their respective sports, they are the two most well-known athletes; No one else comes even close. Each of them is approximately 30 years old; It is unknown how long they will remain at the top of their game.
Djokovic and Nadal have been rivals for a long time, but their situations at the Australian Open, which begins on Monday (Sunday EST), are vastly different.
Naturally, Nadal is the defending champion at Melbourne Park because he overcame a two-set deficit in the previous year’s final and described it as “one of the most emotional victories of my tennis career.” However, he is also restricted to a period that many people believe to have been his darkest: He is 0-2 in 2023, and he has only won one of his last seven games since the end of the previous season.
Djokovic is naturally returning to Australia after being kicked out a year ago for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine. However, he also started this trip in Adelaide with a tuneup title, and since the end of the previous season, he has won 30 of 31 tournament matches.
The No. At the Melbourne 2021 French Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas finished behind Novak Djokovic in third place. He can play once more.”
When asked on Saturday at a news conference whether he feels vulnerable, Nadal didn’t try to hide anything. “Yeah. Yes, responded the 36-year-old Spaniard, whose 2022 was marked by a number of health issues, including persistent foot pain, a torn abdominal muscle, and damaged rib cartilage. My losses have been significantly higher than normal. I will have to fight for my victories if I accept it.
Before his match against Jack Draper, an English left-hander who is 21 years old and ranked 40th, Nadal made the following remarks: I believe I am prepared for success. I’ll know if I’m prepared to win on Monday.
The following is Nadal’s assessment of Djokovic’s form: He did a great job both this year and the year before.” It actually did. With a home run, Djokovic only cares about setting a new record. In just two weeks, the Serb, who was 35 at the time, would win his tenth Australian Open title, breaking Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record of 20 major titles and bringing his total to 22 majors.
“I mean, I want to be the best, so I continue to play competitive and professional tennis. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. “There is no secret about it,” Djokovic said three days before his first match on Tuesday night at Rod Laver Arena against 75th-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena, who has only won one match in Melbourne. It will never again reach this size. “You have four Slams that have historically been the biggest events in our sport,” Djokovic stated.
“One of the primary reasons I was excited to return to Australia was also the following: because I was here for a while. In Adelaide and Melbourne, where he played Djokovic’s opponent Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match on Friday, he has been warmly received by fans. “I didn’t know how that was going to go like, after the events of the previous year,” Djokovic declared.
“For the kind of energy, support, love, and reception I received last night, I am extremely grateful.” “Really, haven’t you asked?” Djokovic took part. on how the other players perceived him. What are your thoughts regarding my return to this location? I have received tremendous support from everyone I have spoken with. There has not yet been any negative feedback regarding my return.
Djokovic has stated on multiple occasions that he does not hold a grudge against being kicked out of Australia in 2022 for failing to abide by the country’s coronavirus regulations, which have since been relaxed. Djokovic was kicked out of Australia for this reason. Because of this, Djokovic was kicked out of Australia. Djokovic was expelled from Australia as a result. As a result, Djokovic was kicked out of Australia. Djokovic was expelled from Australia as a result. On Saturday, he stated: If I couldn’t move on, I probably wouldn’t be here today.
He is, however. Despite his hamstring injury in Adelaide, Djokovic appeared to be in good physical shape against Kyrgios.
“My chances are good,” Djokovic declared. Opportunities always come first for me.