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The fight between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is set to continue for some time to come. The two perennial rivals are currently tied at the top of the all-time Grand Slam rankings, after the Serbian won his 22nd Major at the Australian Open.
Despite a left hamstring injury, the 35-year-old from Belgrade grit his teeth and lifted his tenth title at Melbourne Park. On the other hand, it is not a good period for the Spaniard, who left the scene in the second round in Australia and was the victim of an ileo-psoas injury.
The former world number 1 will certainly miss the tournaments in Doha and Dubai, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain. It cannot be ruled out that we will see the Majorcan again directly on the red clay of Montecarlo.
His big goal is Roland Garros, where he will hunt for his 15th seal. During a long interview with L'Equipe, Petar Popovich - Corentin Moutet's new coach - highlighted how Nadal and Djokovic are willing to do anything to win other Grand Slams.
Popovich talks about Rafa Nadal
Five days after Novak Djokovic's 10th crown at the Australian Open, the way he got this success is still talking. Tournament director Craig Tiley revealed the Serb played with a three centimeter tear, slightly less than in 2021 when he also triumphed in Melbourne despite an abdominal injury.
Corentin Moutet's new coach, Petar Popovic, gave his opinion on the subject for L'Equipe. “If it hadn't been a Grand Slam, Novak wouldn't have played. But since he is chasing records in the race for the best of all time, he took that risk and did an incredible thing.
There are a lot of stakes to become the "GOAT", you have to make this sacrifice. Novak knows that Australia is the Major where he plays best. It's the same for Rafael Nadal at Roland, his garden. He won't do that (put his foot to sleep) at Wimbledon.
It's normal I think. But they're not the only ones doing this. At least 50% of guys have a problem arriving at a Grand Slam. Many play with 'painkillers' (painkillers, editor's note)." Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni recently opened up about how the Spaniard has been dealing with fatherhood.
"My relationship with the child is the same as I would have with any family member. He is my nephew's son, and I am delighted because, for the moment, he is the youngest of the family. We are all very happy and with the satisfaction of seeing another child in the family," he said.