‘The departure of the elephant in the room a.k.a Novak Djokovic,’ Top journalist believes Rafael Nadal brings the calm after the Serbian storm
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic was denied the opportunity to defend his Australian Open title, and claim his record 21st major, as the court decided against overturning the decision of the Minister of Immigration. The Serbian was in the headlines all over the world, after he was stopped by the Australian Border Forces on his arrival in Melbourne.
The 10-day saga was put to rest on Sunday, as Novak Djokovic was deported back to Serbia. Day 1 of Australian Open 2022 got underway on Monday, with the top seed and nine-time champion, Djokovic’s name being struck off from the draw.
Top journalist, Martin Samuel believes that Rafael Nadal’s ruthless win over Marcos Giron in round one of the Australian Open 2022 brought a sense of calmness to the tournament. Martin believes that with Djokovic’s ouster, it is Nadal who seems to have benefitted the most, as he can become the first person to claim the 21st major title.
“Rafa Nadal entered the court and the gentleman with the large Serbian flag rose from his front-row seat. It seemed there could be trouble. Nadal may be the greatest beneficiary of Djokovic’s expulsion if he lands Grand Slam No 21 and, in doing so, statistically becomes the greatest of all time,” wrote Samuel in his blog for Daily Mail.
No stumbles for Nadal in Djokovic’s absence: Martin Samuel
In the absence of Novak Djokovic, Day 1 of Australian Open 2022 was a pretty dull affair, believes Martin Samuel. However, according to Martin, one man did invoke some excitement back into the slam, and it was Rafael Nadal’s terrific performance against Marcos Giron in round one.
Martin Samuel believes that despite the absence of the elephant in the room, Novak Djokovic, it has had no impact on Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard decimated his opponent in the first set, winning it 6-1 in just about 24 minutes.
“Meanwhile, no stumbles for Nadal in Djokovic’s absence. Vivid in cerise he bounded on to the court as if aware a little razzle-dazzle was required in the absence of the main attraction, and proceeded to demolish Marcos Giron in double-quick time, the 6-1 first set over in 24 minutes.” Samuel wrote.
On the other hand, plenty of angry Serbians have planned a protest outside the Arena for the decision passed against their hero, Novak Djokovic.
“Outside, the occupying army was gearing up for 14 days of protest. They were promising a 24/7 vigil, involving ‘music, BBQs, megaphones, drums and pots and pans to make a noise’. Occupiers would require sleeping bags and tarpaulins. There was also a plea for ‘devices with streaming services to watch the tennis,” Samuel wrote.
Novak Djokovic has faced a three-year ban from entering Australia, which means he will be 37 years old, until he is eligible to play in Melbourne. However, we are amidst a global pandemic, and we might never know what holds next. Australian government could loosen up the restrictions, and we could see Djokovic playing in the Melbourne Park next year.
“Anyone deported from Australia cannot re-enter for three years, by which time Djokovic will be 37. Yet, as always, there are exceptions, individual circumstances that might be considered. Any Grand Slam competition is poorer without the world’s best player. Australia may have loosened up 12 months from now; Djokovic’s circumstances may have changed. The government already seem to have forgotten why they had exiled him in the first place,” Samuel stated.
Stay Updated!
Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)