Rafael Nadal breaks silence in Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open unban, says “it is the best possible news”
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal - FirstSportz
Former World No 1 Novak Djokovic breathed a huge sigh of relief upon being allowed to participate at the 2023 Australian Open. Along with it, his three-year visa ban has been revoked by the Australian government as he will make his return to Melbourne Park after two years with an aim of winning his 10th title at ‘Down Under’. Spaniard legend Rafael Nadal expressed his happiness while talking about the Serb’s confirmed presence in Australia.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion had to fight a long battle due to the unvaccinated status of the COVID-19 vaccine. He was deported on the eve of his match in 2022 despite entering the country with a valid exemption which was later denied. He could not defend his title and also has deportation led to his visa being canceled for three years. The King of Clay was even forced to skip all the tournaments in the North American swing, especially the US Open.
After a long wait with a lot of uncertainties hovering over, the Australian government gave a green signal after the immigration rules underwent some drastic changes that awarded relaxation to the stringent rules. Nadal stated that it is great news for every tennis fan since it was quite a controversial year for the sport as well as for Novak Djokovic.
The Australian Open defending champion said that “Tennis is better when all the best players are on the court. Even if it was a big mess last year, not good for our sport, it’s the past. Novak able to play again is the best news possible. Happy for him, the tournament, the fans.“
Novak Djokovic is relieved after his visa ban was revoked which will allow him to play at ‘Down Under’ in 2023
His vaccination status was one of the most debatable issues of the sport with varied opinions. The Wimbledon champion was even accused of his firm stance of not getting vaccinated or having the intent to do so. He confessed he was happy and relaxed with the visa clearance. He further stated that it was his most successful Grand Slam tournament since he was a record 9-time Australian Open champion.
He admitted that it has quite been a tough year for him as well as his team, who stood by him always during the testing times. Novak Djokovic stated he had been waiting for it for some time and was positive about his chances as he looks forward to playing in Melbourne.
He has already booked his place in the semifinals of the Year-end championship and will be hoping for a perfect end to the year by winning his sixth ATP Finals title. He has been flawless with his performances recently as he has won 15 out of his last 16 matches after the US Open. He has already reached three consecutive finals on the ATP Tour and won two titles since he lost the Paris Masters final to Holger Rune.
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