Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are two of the greatest players to have played the sport. They have had many chapters of epic rivalry on the court but off it, they have immense respect for each other’s achievements.
Novak Djokovic wasn’t allowed to take part in this year’s Australian Open as he was unvaccinated against COVID-19. The Serbian legend would have won his fifth straight Australian Open title. However, it wasn’t to be. Instead, his arch-rival Rafael Nadal bagged his second Australian Open title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the finals.
With the pandemic situation easing up all over the world, most countries have relaxed their regulations relating to COVID-19 and Australia is no different. Djokovic’s three-year visa ban will be overturned and he will be seen in action in Melbourne at the first major of the new season.
The 36-year-old Rafael Nadal was recently asked in a post-match interview in Turin to comment on Djokovic’s ban being overturned. The Spaniard said that what happened with Djokovic was not good for the sport. However, he was happy for the Serbian, now that he would be seen in action at the Australian Open.
“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 able to play again is the best possible news. Happy for him, the tournament, the fans.”
All Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal encounters at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have faced each other on 59 occasions with the former winning 30 and losing 29.
Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other twice at the Australian Open. Both encounters have been won by the Serbian superstar.
They met each other at the Australian Open for the first time in the finals in 2012. That match has been lauded by many legends and tennis pundits as the greatest match ever played. Djokovic won the rubber 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 in5 hours and 53 minutes.
7 years later, Djokovic and Nadal squared off in the final once again at the Rod Laver Arena. This was a one-sided affair as Djokovic won the match in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
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