Martina Navratilova picks Novak Djokovic ahead of Rafael Nadal in the race to finish 2023 with the most Grand Slam titles
Former tennis legend believes Djokovic is favourite in the three Grand Slams other than Roland Garros where Nadal still reigns supreme.
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Martina Navratilova, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal
The onset of the 2023 Australian Open has once again given way to the biggest debate in contemporary men’s tennis. Who will end the year with most titles in the great rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal has overshadowed the crystal clear blue skies of Melbourne. Former tennis legend Martina Navratilova, too, got swept away by the biggest question of the game as she weighed in with her views.
Currently, Djokovic is just one short of Nadal’s record 22 Grand Slam titles. In this edition of the Australian Open, the Serb is expected to close rhe gap with his Spanish rival as he starts overwhelming favorite. Nadal, on the other hand, had a rocky start to the season which dented his credentials to some extent.
The 66-year-old Navratilova was candid in her opinion. The 18-time Grand Slam champion, Navratilova picked the Serbian legend Djokovic ahead of his Spanish rival Rafa. Navratilova believes Nadal is the absolute favorite for Roland Garros but for the other three Majors, Djokovic is ahead.
With the retirement of Swiss maestro Roger Federer, the race to achieve the highest tally has become a two-way one between Nadal and Djokovic. All eyes are on the duo as they battle each other to achieve immortality in this fortnight.
Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal, who is the favorite in the 2023 Australian Open?
The Serbian legend Djokovic made a memorable return to Australian soil after a tumultuous phase. He managed to leave the infamous deportation saga of last year behind him to win it big in Adelaide. In Australia, Djokovic remains unbeaten in the last five years and his current form further cements his position as the clear favorite who is looking to extend his record of nine titles in Melbourne.
On the other hand, Rafael Nadal could not get the start he and his fans were expecting. The two-time Australian Open winner went through some hiccups in the United Cup that dented his confidence. The 36-year-old himself acknowledged that he is feeling vulnerable ahead of the tournament.
That being said, one thing that Nadal possesses in plenty is the indefatigable attitude that was seen in last edition’s final against Daniil Medvedev. A below-par Nadal has the potential to cause as much damage as in his prime. So, the first Grand Slam of the season still remains wide open. Whoever shows the greatest resolve in the peak of summer in the Southern Hemisphere takes the crown champion after a fortnight of intense action.
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Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)