Rafael Nadal appears to be overjoyed to see Novak Djokovic return to the Australian Open, describing the Australia announcement as “the best news possible.” On Tuesday, Australian media claimed that Djokovic’s three-year ban from entering the nation had been lifted.
Soon after his successful match against Casper Ruud, Nadal was asked to comment about Novak being allowed to travel and compete Down Under. “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 to be able to play again is the best news possible. Happy for him, the tournament, and the fans,” said Nadal.
Rafael Nadal’s schedules
Now the world no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 17th of November when he beat world no.4 Casper Ruud 7-5 7-5 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw). Nadal will now head to Latin America with Casper for a tour that will be staged in 5 cities. Their first stop will be in Buenos Aires on the 23rd of November.
At present, during this year Nadal owns a compiled 39-8 record. Rafael clinched 4 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, Australian Open, Acapulco and French Open. Nadal got to the final in Indian Wells.
Novak Djokovic in 2022
Currently ranked no.8, the Serbian played his last match on the 16th of November when he beat world no.7 Andrey Rublev 6-4 6-1 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
At present, during this year the Serbian achieved a composed 39-7 record. Novak conquered 4 titles in 2022 in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel Aviv and Astana. The Serbian reached the final in Belgrade and in Paris.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic faced off 59 times. Their record is 30-29 for Djokovic. The last time they competed against each other, Rafael Nadal won 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) in the quarter in Paris (French Open) on the 31st of May 2022.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
