“Chapeau,” Novak Djokovic tips his hat in respect as Rafael Nadal exits the Top-10
Novak Djokovic praises Rafael Nadal's unreal consistency as the Spaniard exits the Top-10 after spending 18 consecutive years in it.
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic suffered his first defeat of the season in Dubai. Playing against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the ATP 500 event, the Russian emerged victorious with a 6-4, 6-4 win. Djokovic was on a 20-match winning streak that has now been snapped by Medvedev who registered his 13th consecutive win this season.
After a successful month Down Under that saw him win the 2023 Australian Open, Djokovic was returning to the courts for the first time. Still not fully fit, he put on a great show to make the last four but Medvedev proved good enough to stop the Djokovic parade. Days after becoming the first man to win 20 consecutive matches for the 10th time in his career, Djokovic was handed his first loss of the season.
Talking about long streaks, Djokovic’s rival Rafael Nadal‘s streak is also coming to an end. The Spaniard is set to exit the Top-10 for the first time since 2005 following his struggles this season. After a second-round exit in Melbourne Park and a no-show on the Tour since then, Nadal was confirmed to leave the Top-10 after Taylor Fritz made the semis in Acapulco.
Speaking about Nadal’s streak ending, Djokovic said, “It’s incredible consistency. He has been well-known for that over the years. Yeah, just full respect for him. Just being able to be for almost 20 years be in top 10, that’s unheard of, honestly. It speaks about the quality of the tennis, just his consistency throughout the year, playing well on all surfaces.
“Plus with the injuries, he had quite a few injuries that took him out from the tour, even sometimes for almost six months, but he still managed to stay there at the top. ‘Chapeau’ for that,” added Djokovic speaking about his fellow 22-time Major winner.
Related: “Always a pleasure,” Daniil Medvedev hands Novak Djokovic his first defeat of 2023
Novak Djokovic addresses Daniil Medvedev’s return to Top-10
Rafael Nadal staying in the Top-10 looked still a possibility after Lorenzo Sonego‘s early exit. However, hours later, Taylor Fritz defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe to show the exit to Nadal. A streak that lasted for more than 900 weeks finally comes to an end. While his comeback in the Top-10 will be awaited, Daniil Medvedev on the other hand recently made one such comeback.
After the highs of the 2021 season, 2022 was very different for Medvedev. The Russian despite reaching the finals in Australian Open and becoming the World No.1, could not continue the consistent results. The second half was further terrible for Medvedev which started pushing him out of the Top-10.
The Russian spent almost a month out of the Top-10 but has made his way back once again. Not only is he in, but he is also taking giant strides to move closer to the World No. 1 spot. Speaking about his comeback, Djokovic had words of praise for the Russian.
“He’s a former No. 1 and a Grand Slam winner. Anyone that won a Grand Slam, was No. 1 in the world, has a huge value. Every time he steps out on the court, an announcer is announcing his name, reading what he has achieved, having a Grand Slam title and No. 1 next to his game is a huge deal for our sport. He’s also a guy that I like. We have always a great relationship throughout our careers. Ever since he was a junior, I remember him coming up. Always try to be there, help him out in the early days.
“Not so much today as we are rivals (smiling). But he has grown to be one of the most important players in the world in the last five-plus years. His place is definitely top 10 – top five I would say. But it happens. We all have some drops. We all have periods where maybe we’re not playing or feeling our best. It was just a matter of time when he’s going to be a contender for Grand Slam titles. He is a contender for Grand Slam titles, no doubt. We can never underestimate Daniil,” said Djokovic.
With the exit in Dubai, Djokovic now awaits the final decision from the USA. As of now, he is unfit to travel to the country amidst their Covid-19 vaccination policy. Although he has applied for an exemption and so have the Miami Masters, the final decision is yet to come. In case he isn’t allowed, it will be the third year in a row when Djokovic, the player with the most Masters-1000, will be absent from the first two Masters events of the season.
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Sarthak Shitole
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