“Best player always wins,” Rafael Nadal ready for Novak Djokovic showdown in Australia
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal is all prepared for the 2023 season which starts in a day’s time. The 2023 United Cup will commence in the 2023 season although the date will still be of 2022. The new tournament has been added as a replacement for the ATP Cup. The ATP Cup was in fact a replacement for the Hopman Cup.
Nadal will lead Spain in the inaugural edition which will be his only preparatory tournament ahead of the Australian Open. At the 2023 Australian Open, the Spaniard will be the defending champion eyeing his 3rd title in Melbourne Park. A successful defense will see him win his 23rd major and continue to lead the race for most majors. But with Novak Djokovic back in the draw following the cancellation of his visa ban, it won’t be a cakewalk for the World No. 2.
Djokovic’s deportation from the 2022 edition did boost Nadal’s chances. Taking nothing away from the Spaniard for his efforts but none can deny that Djokovic’s absence was a big boost. The Serb is a 9-time Australian Open champion and was the 3-time defending champion before his politicized dismissal from the country. But with him back for the 2023 edition, Nadal is ready for the competition.
When asked about his feelings on Djokovic returning to Melbourne Park again, Nadal said, “Novak is here. Good for tennis. Good for probably the fans. Let’s see, no? Best players on the court always win.” The Spaniard was at his diplomatic best as he neither gave a cocky response on his defense nor went completely defensive in praising his fellow Big-3 member.
Also Read: Rafael Nadal names Nick Kyrgios as title favorite at the 2023 Australian Open
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s history at the Australian Open
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the only two players in the Open Era to have won all four majors at least twice. Their 59 clashes against each other is the most between any two players on the Tour. Djokovic leads by 30-29 with Nadal cutting the lead down in the quarter-finals of the 2022 French Open.
At the Australian Open, the two have met only twice. Both the meetings were finals and it was the Spaniard’s misfortune on losing out on both occasions. The 2012 Australian Open finals between the two remain the longest-ever Grand Slam final as it went on for 5 hours and 53 minutes. Both the players left everything on the court but it was Djokovic who took the winner’s trophy home.
They clashed again in the 2019 Australian Open finals. This time it was a rather dominating performance by Djokovic who saw out Nadal in straight-sets. It marked the only time Nadal lost in a Grand Slam final without winning a single set. With Djokovic currently ranked 5th and Nadal ranked 2nd, they could well clash at the business end of the Australian Open this year reigniting their rivalry.
Also Read: Iga Swiatek looking forward to meeting ‘Inspiration’ Ash Barty in Australia
Also Read: Ivan Lendl credits Carlos Alcaraz’s success to Juan Carlos Ferrero’s coaching techniques
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)