Rafael Nadal basked in the glory of a record-breaking 21st slam title victory on Monday but insisted one-upping Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic was not a motivating factor.
Rafael Nadal has put his stake in the ground for greatest player of all time status,holding off a challenge from one of the game’s current stars to claim victory from two sets down.
Rafael Nadal said the Australian Open would be better with Novak Djokovic in it,but players rejected the notion that this year’s men’s title would be diminished by his controversial absence.
Novak Djokovic had plenty on his plate on Sunday but still found time to message Thanasi Kokkinakis after his breakthrough win in Adelaide.
No Roger,no Serena,no Venus,but no worries. The 2022 Australian Open will have a different look and feel,regardless of whether Novak Djokovic is sent home.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal enjoy a convivial relationship,but the abrasive Novak Djokovic is likely to beat them to grand-slam record.
Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev can take over as world No.1 if Serbian champion Novak Djokovic is unable to play at the Australian Open.
The paths of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have diverged somewhat in recent months. What they did in Melbourne on Thursday was sharply different.
The Serbian world No.1 and nine-time Australian Open champion said on social media that he would be travelling to Australia to defend his title.
Tennis pros say they won’t have any opposition to taking the court with fellow players who have medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination.
The Australian has confirmed he will play in Sydney next month,but believes the potential absence of Novak Djokovic,Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer from the Australian Open would be a “disaster” for fans.