MELBOURNE – Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic owns the two largest collections of Grand Slam trophies in men’s tennis history. They are the two most prominent active figures in their sport; no one else is even close. Both are in their mid-30s; No one knows how much longer they will be at the top of the game.
With everything the longtime rivals have in common, Nadal and Djokovic could hardly go into the race Australian Openwhich begins on Monday (Sunday EST) in more contrasting circumstances.
Nadal is, of course, the defending champion at Melbourne Park – thanks to a straight-set comeback in last year’s final, which he described as “one of the most emotional wins of my tennis career” – but he’s also stuck at about the worst he’s ever been :0: 2 so far in 2023 and after winning just one of his last seven games until the end of last season.
Djokovic will of course return to Australia afterwards banned a year ago because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19, but he also began this journey with a Tuneup title in Adelaide and has won 30 of his last 31 tournament competitions, ending at the end of last season.
“He’s still got it,” said Stefanos Tsitsipas, second behind Djokovic at the 2021 French Open and seeded No. 3 in Melbourne. “He can still play.”
Asked at a pre-tournament press conference on Saturday if he felt vulnerable, Nadal made no attempt to hide anything.
“Yes. Without a doubt,” replied the 36-year-old from Spain, whose 2022 was riddled with health issues, including chronic pain in his left foot, damaged rib cartilage and a torn abdominal muscle. “I’ve lost more than usual. … Me have to live with it and just fight for the victories.”
Looking ahead to his upcoming encounter at Rod Laver Arena against Jack Draper, a 21-year-old left-hander from England 40th, Nadal said: “I think I’m ready to play well. We’ll see on Monday if I’m ready to win.”
As for his assessment of Djokovic’s form, Nadal said: “He finished last year well and started this year well.”
Sure indeed. None of this is as important to Djokovic as another Grand Slam title. Win a 10th Australian Open championship in two weeks and the 35-year-old from Serbia would increase his tally to 22 Majors and level with Nadal (both topped the 20 for the now-retired Roger Federer).
“I mean, that’s why I keep playing professional tennis, (competitive) tennis, because I want to be the best. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. There’s no secret about that,” Djokovic said three days before starting Tuesday night with a matchup at Rod Laver Arena against 75th Roberto Carballes Baena, whose resume includes exactly one match win in Melbourne.
“It doesn’t get any bigger. They have four slams, which historically have been the biggest events in our sport,” Djokovic said. “It’s also one of the main reasons I was really looking forward to returning to Australia: because of my record here.”
He is delighted with the greetings he received from crowds in Adelaide and Melbourne, where he played an exhibition match with Nick Kyrgios – the man Djokovic defeated in last July’s Wimbledon final – at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday.
“I didn’t know how this would go after the events of last year,” said Djokovic. “I am very grateful for the kind of energy and reception, love and support I received last night.”
On the way other players have greeted him, Djokovic said: “Well, I haven’t really asked around, ‘What do you guys think about me coming back here?’ Those I spoke to were really supportive. No one has commented negatively on my return.”
Since arriving in Australia, Djokovic has frequently mentioned that he holds no grudges at being kicked out of the country in 2022 for failing to follow the now-relaxed coronavirus rules, saying on Saturday: “Probably if I can.” don’t go on, I wouldn’t be here.”
But he is. And while dealing with a pinched hamstring he sustained in Adelaide, Djokovic looked physically good against Kyrgios.
“I like my chances,” said Djokovic. “I always like my chances.”
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