Novak Djokovic didn’t have the most effective of 2022. He was touted to interrupt all Grand Slam data after an unbelievable 2021 the place he had picked up three majors. Nevertheless, the yr had begun with Djokovic being denied the chance to defend his title in Melbourne owing to his Covid vaccination standing. He was finally deported and handed a three-year visa ban. Djokovic has since been preventing to overturn the choice in order that he can fly Down Underneath for the 2023 season, and earlier this week, the Serb was served with the pleasant information of his visa van getting overturned. On Thursday, Rafael Nadal opened up on the choice.
With Djokovic absent, Nadal had capitalised on it to bounce again from the brink of retirement to raise his second Australian Open title by beating Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-match setter.
ALSO READ: ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal indicators off with win over Norway’s Casper Ruud, avoids matching worst run
Talking to the media after Nadal beat Casper Ruud in ATP Finals 2022, Nadal admitted that he’s completely satisfied for Djokovic that he’ll make his return to Australia for the 2023 season.
“I all the time stated the identical,” he defined. “Tennis is healthier when the most effective gamers are on the court docket. On the finish, we do not have to create many tales. Even when was an enormous mess what occurred final yr in Australia, was not good for our sport. That was previous. Roger shouldn’t be enjoying anymore. I missed a variety of Grand Slams for accidents. Final yr Novak was not capable of play there. That is previous.
“What’s subsequent is Novak will be capable to play once more. That is the most effective information attainable, particularly figuring out that now the virus is extra beneath management – appears – world wide. So why not?
“Glad for him. Glad for the match. Glad for the followers. That is it.”