Results instead of Djokovic paragraphs: tennis back in focus in Melbourne
After the great unrest surrounding Novak Djokovic , Melbourne is now back to sport. Rafael Nadal set an example at the start.
by SID
last edit: Jan 17, 2022, 09:11 am
When tennis actually came back into focus after the noisy tumult surrounding Novak Djokovic in sunny Melbourne, the defending champion of the Australian Open had just climbed out of the plane. With a mask on his face, two bags in his hands and still great disappointment in his clothes, the 34-year-old Serb shuffled through Dubai International Airport. He now has to watch the fight for the trophy from a distance after his expulsion.
In particular, what Rafael Nadal is doing should move the tour dominator of recent years and nine-time Melbourne champion. After all, unlike Djokovic, the 35-year-old Spaniard has the chance to crown himself as the sole record holder on the Yarra River with his 21st Grand Slam triumph. A coup that Djokovic had actually planned so hard.
Nadal: 'I'm pretty fed up'
Nadal presented himself completely unimpressed by all the turbulence and in the style of a champion. The Mallorcan defeated the American Marcos Giron 6: 1, 6: 4, 6: 2 and then beamed. "It's fantastic to be back," said Nadal, who has won the Australian Open once before in 2009. On the other hand, he had less desire to talk about the Causa Djokovic: "I'm pretty fed up with it."
From a German point of view, Dominik Koepfer also got off to a good start and was "very satisfied and happy" after beating Carlos Taberner from Spain 6:1, 3:6, 6:4, 6:1. Also because he was able to hide his elbow problems. Peter Gojowczyk failed 3: 6, 3: 6, 3: 6 at the Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, Tatjana Maria sold herself dearly in her 4: 6, 6: 7 (2: 7) defeat against the Greek top player Maria Sakkari. Andrea Petkovic, on the other hand, crept off the field frustrated after her 6-2, 6-0 loss to Czech French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova.
So at Melbourne Park it was more about results than paragraphs. Shortly before the Federal Court of Australia's court decision, which ultimately led to Djokovic's tournament knockout before the first serve, Nadal had emphasized that the Australian Open was "much more important than any individual player". Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray complained that too little was said about the sport.
The early world number one Naomi Osaka, on the other hand, was less moved after her smooth 6: 3, 6: 3 win at the start against Colombian Camila Osorio. "I didn't watch the news too often," said the 24-year-old unperturbed.
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