“Rafael Nadal would never have won if Novak Djokovic played” Former US Open champion discredits Rafa’s Australian Open win
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal created history when he won the 2022 Australian Open and became the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles. Nadal took the lead in the race for most majors for the first time going past fellow Big-3 members Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who are now tied in a two-way race on 20 Slams each.
While it was a historic night for the Spaniard, there were many critics who undermined his win by claiming he was able to win because Djokovic was not allowed to participate in the tournament given his non-vaccination status against Covid-19, a mandate that was issued months ago by Tennis Australia.
Novak would have been a 3-time defending champion had he played in Melbourne Park this year and given he is a 9-time champion at the tournament, the Serbian was always the favourite coming into the tournament. However, his absence is now cited as the reason for Nadal’s win who last won his title in 2009 and finished runner-up on 4 occasions later.
“Nadal would never have won the Aus Open if Djokovic had played. Novak was treated as a criminal, he was humiliated. Now they will do everything to stop him from playing at Wimbledon and US Open,” said former World No. 6 and 1970 US Open Doubles Champion Nikola Pilic speaking with Kurir. Nikola is one of those Djokovic fans who believes 20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal needed Novak’s absence to win his 21st major.
Rafael Nadal could win his 22nd at French Open, Novak Djokovic doubtful once again for the Slam
With Nadal suffering a foot injury at the 2021 French Open that eventually kept him out for almost the 2021 season, based on Novak fans arguing about Nadal’s win, one can also argue that Djokovic’s semi-final win at the Roland Garros last year came because the Spaniard was injured and that eventually saw him win the Grand Slam 2 days later.
With Nadal now fit and ready, he is again the favourite for the 2022 French Open title this year, which could be his 14th in Paris and 22nd major overall. As for Djokovic, his participation remains a doubt given France’s Covid-vaccination policy. The current policy allows unvaccinated people into the country only if they have tested positive for the virus in a 6-month window.
However, as per recent reports, France is set to ask entrants for proof of vaccination or having tested positive for the virus in the last 4 months starting from 15th February 2022. If this policy is implemented, the 2022 French Open that will begin on 22nd May, would allow unvaccinated players only if they test positive for the virus in 2022.
As for Novak, it could be a massive dent in his race to 21 majors as per his own admission he tested positive for the virus in mid-December. While his mother didn’t know that he had tested positive, it would still not be enough for him to participate in the French Open unless he is vaccinated or tests positive once again.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)