'Rafael Nadal is playing even though he is not...', says ATP star

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• Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has left everyone speechless in these early months of 2022. The Spanish champion, who had played just seven official tournaments last year, literally blew the bank at the Australian Open. After surviving two real battles against Denis Shapovalov and Matteo Berrettini, the former world number 1 came back two sets behind Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Taking his second title at Melbourne Park, Rafa moved up to 21 Majors by beating Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the all-time rankings. The Majorcan also became the fourth man in history to have won all the Slams at least twice (along with Djokovic, Rod Laver and Roy Emerson).

The Manacor veteran sustained a stress fracture in his rib during the Indian Wells Masters 1000, a setback that forced him to miss his first rounds on his beloved clay court. According to the latest rumors, Nadal should return to Madrid.

In a question and answer session on Twitter, Holger Rune praised Rafa's ability to fight despite his age and ailments.

Rune praises Rafa Nadal

"I think right now, Rafael Nadal because he finds this will to win in every match he is playing even though he is not all young and his body must suffer from many years on tour.

That's impressive," Rune said. Rune described Novak Djokovic as a complete athlete, stating that it was inspiring to have played against the Serb. "For me Djokovic is so complete as an athlete and tennis player so it was very inspiring to share court with him not just for practice but a real match" Rune said.

Novak Djokovic said that he had been suffering from an illness that took a toll on his body. He also mentioned that he was feeling better with each passing day and that he was hoping for a complete recovery before the French Open.

“Whether it is due to the illness that I had recently, or something like that, I don’t know, probably, but yeah. At least this kind of bad feeling physically came from the fourth match rather than the first match as it was in Monte Carlo, so… Things are progressing, slowly but surely.

Again, Paris is the big goal, hopefully by Paris, I’ll be able to be fit and ready to fight,” he said. Novak Djokovic’s 2022 has been quite tumultuous. However, with most countries reviewing their vaccine mandates, things are looking more positive for the Serbian World No. 1. Recently, he participated in a tournament close to his heart, in his hometown of Belgrade.