Rafael Nadal on Djokovic start in Australia: 'Best possible news'
After his meaningless success in the last group game over Casper Ruud , Rafael Nadal also commented on the news that Novak Djokovic will be allowed to start again at the Australian Open next season after a year's absence. Which the Spaniard sees as extremely positive.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 17, 2022, 08:42 pm
Actually, the Australian Open 2022 had already written its history. And it was one more than unworthy of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. It was a story of litigation, of protesting masses, and of political decisions. Right in the middle: Novak Djokovic. And his (ultimately failed) attempt to start at the Australian Open without a COVID-19 vaccination. After anxious moments before the start of the tournament, it was clear: the Serb will have to leave the country - and thus miss the first major event of the season.
A man who managed to push this gigantic outcry at least somewhat into the background goes by the name of Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard caused a moderate surprise in the final, a good two weeks after the fuss before the tournament started, with one of the greatest comebacks in recent history - and with his five-set win after being 0: 2 behind against the Russian Daniil Medvedev, he won his 21st title on Grand -Slam level. Nadal is the first player ever to break this sound barrier.
Nadal delighted with Djokovic's start
One thing is certain: one of these two stories will not be repeated in the coming year. As the Australian authorities announced a few days ago, Novak Djokovic will be able to take part in next January's edition. A decision that also welcomes long-term competitor Nadal: "Tennis is better when the best players are on the court," said the Spaniard after his two-set win over group winner Casper Ruud in the meaningless last group game at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. After two defeats at the start, Nadal was already eliminated in advance.
Nevertheless, the 22-time major champion also emphasizes that what happened last year was anything but good for tennis: "Even if what happened in Australia last year was a huge mess that was not good for our sport then it's over," said the Spaniard. "Roger (Federer's note) doesn't play anymore, I missed a lot of Grand Slams due to injury and Novak couldn't play this season. All that is in the past. What we have now is that Novak will be able to play - and that's the best news possible."