Rafael Nadal took a dig at rival Novak Djokovic on Saturday, announcing the Australian Open will likely be an ideal event without or with the sector’s primary tennis participant. Forward of the beginning of the primary Grand Slam on Monday, Nadal advised newshounds at Melbourne Park: “The Australian Open is a lot more essential than any participant.”
Nadal additional mentioned that “too many questions” nonetheless had to be responded regarding Djokovic’s bid to play on the Australian Open.
The lead-up to the event has been totally ruled by way of global primary Djokovic’s struggle to compete at Melbourne Park within the face of a central authority seeking to deport him after canceling his visa two times.
Questions stay over how Djokovic was once given a well being exemption by way of Australian government to play within the event with out being vaccinated for COVID-19, simplest to have his visa cancelled on arrival.
“I inform you something, it is very transparent that Novak Djokovic is among the very best avid gamers of the historical past, surely. However there’s no one participant in historical past that is extra essential than an match, no? The avid gamers remains after which is going, and different avid gamers are coming,” Nadal advised newshounds/
“No person, even Roger, Novak, myself, Bjorn Borg who was once superb at his occasions, tennis stay going. Australian Open is a lot more essential than any participant. If he is taking part in in the end, ok. If he is not taking part in, Australian Open will likely be nice Australian Open without or with him. That is my viewpoint.
Nadal, degree on a report 20 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic and the absent Roger Federer, mentioned he needed him “the entire best” however sought after extra information about his case.
“From my viewpoint (there) is a large number of questions that want to be responded,” Nadal advised newshounds at Melbourne Park.
“In many ways I believe (it) will likely be just right if the whole lot clarifies quickly, no?
“I in reality appreciate him, although I (do) now not trust a large number of issues that he did the ultimate couple of weeks.”
After having his visa cancelled for a 2d time on Friday, Djokovic will struggle to have the verdict overturned at a court docket listening to on Sunday.
