Emma Raducanu and Rafael Nadal are definitely not happy with what has been happening with Novak Djokovic’s saga that is overshadowing the Australian Open.
During the pre-tournament press conference, Emma Raducanu says that Novak Djokovic’s ordeal is stealing the show of the entire Australian tennis summer. Emma commented:
“I feel like the situation, I feel it has taken away a little bit from the great tennis that’s been happening over this summer in Australia.
For example, Andy Murray, he’s in the final tonight, which I think is pretty incredible. To see him come back and win and play so well, definitely rooting for him later on.
I feel like in that way it has been.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-pgJkLD2gI
Nadal on Djokovic
Rafael Nadal has admitted that he is tired of this situation. In addition, he stresses the fact that the Australian Open is bigger than any other player.
Nadal commented:
“Honestly I’m a little bit tired of the situation because I just believe that it’s important to talk about our sport, about tennis, the Spaniard commented.
I tell you one thing, it’s very clear that Novak Djokovic is one of the best players in history, without a doubt. But there is no one player in history that’s more important than an event, no? Players come and then go, and other players are coming. No one, even Roger, Novak, myself, Bjorn Borg who was amazing at his times, tennis will keep going.
The Australian Open is much more important than any player. If he’s playing finally, okay. If he’s not playing, the Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him. That’s my point of view.”
Novak Djokovic in 2022
Currently ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 3rd of December 2021 when he beat world no.29 Marin Cilic 6-4 6-2 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
During this season Novak has managed to achieve a 0-0 match record.
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Now the world no.6, Rafael played his last match on the 9th of January when he overcame world no.75 Maxime Cressy 7-6(6) 6-3 in the final in Melbourne to win his 89th career title.
Until now, during this year Rafael has a 3-0 record. The Spaniard has won 1 title in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal squared off 58 times. The head to head is 30-28 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they played each other, Novak Djokovic won 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal in Paris (French Open) in June 2021.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Emma Raducanu in 2022
At the moment ranked no.18 (career-high), Raducanu played her last match on the 11th of January when she surrendered to world no.13 Elena Rybakina 6-0 6-1 in the 1st round in Sydney (draw).
At present, during this year the Brit has a 0-1 win-loss record.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu |
Embed from Getty Images
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