(Melbourne) Tennis players Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have the two biggest collections of Grand Slam trophies in men’s singles history. They are the two most prominent active personalities in their sport; no one else approaches them. They are both in their mid-thirties; no one knows how much longer they will remain at the top of their sport.
Despite everything that these longtime rivals have in common, Nadal and Djokovic could hardly approach this edition of the Australian Open, which will begin on Monday (Sunday evening in Quebec), in more contrasting circumstances.
On the one hand, Nadal is the defending champion at Melbourne Park — thanks to a comeback after being down two sets to nil in last year’s final, a win he called “one of the most emotional my tennis career. However, he is also in one of the most difficult times he has ever known: 0-2 so far in 2023 and only one win in his last seven outings since the end of last season.
On the other, Djokovic is returning to Australia after being banned a year ago for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. He began this journey with a title in a preparatory competition presented in Adelaide, and won 30 of his last 31 tournament matches.
“He still has it,” said Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, finalist against Djokovic at the French Open in 2021 and third seed in Melbourne. “He can still play. »
Asked at a pre-tournament press conference on Saturday whether he feels vulnerable, Nadal didn’t try to hide anything.
” Yes. Definitely,” replied the 36-year-old Spaniard, whose 2022 has been plagued by health issues including chronic left foot pain, damaged rib cartilage and a torn muscle. abdominal.
“(Lately) I’ve lost more than usual. […] I have to live with that and fight for the wins. »
In anticipation of his next outing on the Rod-Laver Arena court against Jack Draper, another 21-year-old English left-hander and ranked 40e, Nadal offered the following analysis: “I think I’m ready to play well. We will see on Monday if I am ready to win. »
As for his assessment of Djokovic’s form, Nadal responded as follows: “He finished well last year, and he started well this year. »
If he collects, in two weeks, what would be his tenth Australian Open career title, the 35-year-old Serb will equal Nadal with 22 major titles, two more than the Swiss Roger Federer, now retired.
“That’s why I keep playing professional tennis, (competitive) tennis, because I want to be the best. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. There is no secret about it,” said Djokovic, who is due to play his first-round match on Tuesday night against Roberto Carballes Baena (75e), a Spaniard whose record includes exactly one victory in Melbourne.
“There is nothing more important than that. You have four Grand Slam tournaments which, historically, are the most prestigious events in our sport,” added Djokovic. “That’s also one of the biggest reasons I was really looking forward to coming back to Australia: because of my record here. »