Australian Open defending champion Rafael Nadal said on Saturday that Novak Djokovic was favorite to win the tournament, feeling his side was vulnerable after back-to-back defeats.
“He had very good results at the end of last year and started with victories this season. It’s a tournament that has always been successful for him“, recalled the Spaniard, adding that his rival was “definitely the favoriteto his estate. “Djoko”nine-time winner in Melbourne, is indeed coming out of a rather positive preparation, marked in particular by a victory in the adelaide tournamentdespite a small muscle alert in the hamstrings.
On his side, “Rafa” suffered two losses in a row during the United Cupa mixed team competition, first against the world No. 12, Cameron Norriefor his first game of the year, then against Alex de Minaur. The record holder for titles in Grand Slam (22), admitted to feeling vulnerable, as his entry into the running at theAustralian Open promises to be tough on Monday against the promising Jack Draper.
“Probably one of the hardest possible first rounds“, judged Rafael Nadal, 36, who has lost six of his last seven meetings. The Majorcan had won the Australian major in 2022 after five dantesque sets disputed against the Russian Daniil Medvedev. Edition without Novak Djokovic. The star, who refused to be vaccinated against Covid, had been expelled from Australia after a legal standoff.
This time, the Serb is present, with the record of his great Spanish rival in the sights. “If he wins, we will congratulate him, he will have accomplished something historic, that’s all. My life won’t change“, assured Rafael Nadalwhich does not see the new generation shaking up the established order right away.
After his failed start to the season, the Spaniard assured that he was improving day by day and training more than ever. “I feel faster on the legs. I feel like I’m playing better, with more confidence“, he asserted.
