Becker: "Rafael Nadal the most advantaged by Djokovic's exclusion"

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In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Boris Becker expressed an interesting point of view on this edition of the Australian Open 2022, focusing especially on Rafael Nadal's chances and on Novak Djokovic's exclusion. Becker said: "There is no doubt that the expulsion of Novak Djokovic from Australia has totally upset this Grand Slam.

Rafael Nadal is the one who has benefited most from this situation. With Nole on the scoreboard, he would have had much less chance of lifting the trophy." The German praised Rafa's performance: "Rafa has shown us once again that he knows how to manage himself perfectly over the two weeks.

He leveled up when the situation called for it, while his opponents felt the pressure. Nadal’s choice to play Melbourne’s ATP 250 in early January proved to be a smart move. It was what he needed after a long hiatus." The Spaniard will try to recharge his batteries in view of the semi-final: "I'll be back on the pitch on Friday afternoon, which I don't mind.

For my style of play, I have always felt more comfortable during the day. I think my shots are more incisive when it's sunny."

What happened

The expulsion of Novak Djokovic from Australia has radically changed the cards on the table.

The world number 1 was unable to defend his title at the Australian Open, a Grand Slam that crowned him on nine occasions. The Serbian phenomenon was on the hunt for his 21st career Slam, which would allow him to overtake Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time rankings.

The Spaniard once again demonstrated his infinite tenacity by reaching the semifinals at Melbourne Park. The 35-year-old from Manacor emerged victorious from a tremendous battle with Denis Shapovalov, unable to take the game at the start of the fifth set.

The next obstacle on his path answers to the name of Matteo Berrettini, who stemmed the comeback attempt by Gael Monfils. Nadal won the only precedent with the Italian, staged at the US Open in 2019. Rafa is pursuing his second Down Under title, 13 years after his first and only triumph.