Rafael Nadal will be favourite for the 2022 Australian Open title in absence of Novak Djokovic
Former tennis star Andy Roddick thinks Rafael Nadal will be on cloud nine if Novak Djokovic decides not to take part in the next year’s Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of next year is scheduled to start on January 17.
Roddick believes that some of the world’s best players – including Nadal – will “foaming” at the mouth in hope that they have a realistic chance of winning the title in Djokovic’s absence.
Talking to reporters Roddick claimed:
“Nobody knows except Novak what he’s going to do and if he’s going to play the game the way it has to be played to participate in Australia.
“If he doesn’t, opportunity’s knocking for Medvedev, Zverev, Rafa’s going to be foaming at the mouth to get there and get to that 21st Slam so these other guys, they have to play their tournament either way.”
The Serbian star is on par with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in terms of Grand Slams titles. The Big Three are tied at 20 titles each and on the current form – Djokovic is seen as the world’s best player and is favourite to win in Australia if he decides to take part in it.
The nine-time Australian Open winner has currently not taken Covid 19 jab and time is running out for the World No.1 ahead of the Australian Open.
Australian Open chief executive Craig Tiley confirmed last week that unvaccinated players will be unable to compete at the 2022 event. And if Djokovic is willing to play in the next year’s first Grand Slam then without fail he has to show a vaccination certificate upon his arrival in Australia next year.
The tennis star has so far refused to declare his vaccination status and has previously stated: “Things being as they are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne.”
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“I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry.”
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