ANI
15 Jan 2022, 10:57 GMT+10
Melbourne [Australia], January 15 (ANI): Rafael Nadal on Saturday said the Australian Open is much more important than any one player while talking about his rival Novak Djokovic, who is currently fighting deportation from Australia.
Ahead of the start of the season's first Grand Slam on Monday, Nadal at Melbourne Park in his pre-event press conference said: "Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him."Currently, nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is still in the draw to defend his title in Melbourne after the Serbian's visa was cancelled on Friday by Hawke, the Australian Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs. Djokovic is placed against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round.
When asked about how different AO 2022 would look with Djokovic in the draw and without him, Rafa said: "I tell you one thing, it's very clear that Novak Djokovic is one of the best players of the history, without a doubt.""But there is no one player in history that's more important than an event, no? The players stays and then goes, and other players are coming. No one, even Roger, Novak, myself, Bjorn Borg, who was amazing at his times, tennis keep going. Australian Open is much more important than any player. If he's playing finally, okay. If he's not playing, Australian Open will be great Australian Open with or without him. That's my point of view," the Spaniard added.
Notably, long-time rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are in the same half of the men's singles draw at the Australian Open 2022, putting them on track for a blockbuster semifinal clash, if the defending champion is not deported.
Djokovic, the world No.1, top seed, and three-time defending champion will be playing for an incredible 10th title at Melbourne Park - as well as a men's record 21st Grand Slam singles title.
But Nadal is also chasing Slam title No.21, with the Spaniard and the Serb currently inseparable having each won 20 major trophies. (ANI)Get a daily dose of Herald Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Herald Globe.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: At least 13 people are believed to have taken their own lives as a result of the U.K.'s Post Office scandal, in which...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Travelers at U.S. airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, Department of Homeland...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: An elaborate impersonation scheme involving artificial intelligence targeted senior U.S. and foreign officials in...
SLUBICE, Poland: Poland reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania on July 7, following Germany's earlier reintroduction...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: After months of warnings from former federal officials and weather experts, the deadly flash floods that struck the...
MOSCOW, Russia: Just hours after his sudden dismissal by President Vladimir Putin, Russia's former transport minister, Roman Starovoit,...
(Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images) Anthony Volpe scored the tiebreaking run on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly by Aaron Judge...
(Photo credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images) The Seattle Sounders will be without their captain when they travel to Kansas City, Kan....
(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs traded veteran forward Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks in exchange...
(Photo credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images) Dallas Mavericks rookie and No. 1 NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg contributed 10 points, six...
(Photo credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images) Austin FC will be without its main offensive weapon when it hosts the New England Revolution...
(Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images) Ceddanne Rafaela's two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning highlighted a 2-for-3...