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Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia this week nearly a 12 months after he was deported from the nation over his COVID-19 vaccination standing. His return means Rafael Nadal can have extra issue defending his 2022 Australian Open title, however the Spanish veteran says he’s glad to see Djokovic competing.
“Novak is right here. Good for tennis. Good for in all probability the followers,” Nadal mentioned. ” … Best gamers on the courtroom all the time win.”
Djokovic — the prime searched athlete on Google in 2022 — has received at Melbourne Park a report 9 instances. He will open his 2023 season on the Adelaide International 1 as he prepares to chase his tenth title on the Australian Open.
Nadal and Djokovic are two of probably the most dominant gamers of the Open Era, having received all 4 main tournaments no less than twice. They have usually been known as a part of the Big 3, a gaggle that additionally included Rodger Federer — who retired from the ATP Tour and Grand Slam competitions in 2022.
The two veterans had good seasons in 2022 as Nadal took the French Open trophy and Djokovic received Wimbledon. They’ve performed one another 59 instances, with Djokovic holding a slight 30-29 benefit of their all-time sequence. They are two very robust opponents who are sometimes neck-and-neck in terms of accomplishments. Nadal holds an all-time report 22 Grand Slams, whereas Djokovic is only one shy of tying him with a complete of 21 main titles.
Nadal is at the moment coaching in Sydney as he will likely be competing on the inaugural United Cup, which begins on Dec. 29 and runs by means of Jan. 8. Nick Kyrgios, an Australia native, formally pulled out on the eve of the event because of harm
Nadal was not the one one glad to have Djokovic return to Melbourne Park. Australian Open event director Craig Tiley mentioned in a press convention this week that Djokovic, per ordinary, would be the hardest competitor.
“Novak is welcome in Australia,” Tiley mentioned. “I feel as we converse he has landed in Adelaide and he’ll be the participant to beat (on the Australian Open) once more.”
The Australian Open is ready to begin at Melbourne Park on Jan. 16.
