RAFAEL Nadal has welcomed Novak Djokovic’s return to the Australian Open after the Serb missed the 2022 edition over a Covid-19 vaccination controversy.
The Spaniard says it is ‘good for tennis’ to have his fierce rival competing in the first Grand Slam of the year, while dismissing suggestions this may be his own last shot at the event.
The Australian Open is scheduled for January 16 to January 30 in Melbourne.
Nadal, 36, is the defending champion of the Australian Open and the winner of 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, the most in history, one more than Djokovic.
The Spaniard won the title in Melbourne in the absence of nine-time Australian Open winner Djokovic, who was detained and deported ahead of the tournament after refusing to get vaccinated for Covid-19.
Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid. The Serb arrived back in the country yesterday for the first time since being kicked out.
Nadal said he was happy to see his superstar rival back.
“Novak is here, good for tennis, good for probably the fans,” the world No.2 said in Sydney. “Let’s see, no? Best players on court always win.”
Fifth-ranked Djokovic will begin his quest for a 10th title at Melbourne Park at the Adelaide International from Sunday.
Nadal followed up his Australian Open win this year with a 14th French Open title but struggled with injury after withdrawing from the Wimbledon semi-final with an abdominal tear in July.
Despite a poor second half of the year, Nadal said he was raring to go again.
“The highest motivation to try to start well. It’s always important to start well for me, for the confidence,” he said.
“The last few months haven’t been easy for me. Main thing for me now is recover the positive feelings on court, being competitive. I hope to. I am ready to make that happen, but let’s see.”
Nadal played his first Australian Open in 2004. He is now a father, and with a history of injuries he was asked if this could be his last trip to Australia.
“As a professional, you never know, hopefully not,” he said.
“I mean, when you are at the age of 36, you never know when it’s going to be the last one. It’s obvious, but I don’t like to talk about that because I am not in that mood now.
“I’m just focused on trying to play at the highest level possible and give myself possibilities to keep being competitive, to fight for anything. That’s my goal now.
“I’m not thinking about it being my last time here. I am happy doing what I am doing. I’m looking forward to keep doing this.”
