Pressure on Novak Djokovic after Rafa Nadal’s news

A huge announcement by Rafael Nadal Next year’s Australian Open could have a huge impact on Novak Djokovic.

After being silent about the progress of his injury, Nadal delighted the fans by confirming that he would play at the World Cup in tennis next month.

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He then announced his intention to enter next year’s Australian Open, where he is aiming for a men’s record, 21 grand slam titles.

However, Australian tennis player Todd Woodbridge believes Nadal’s announcement could affect Djokovic.

The world number one has not committed to the Australian Open, but has not yet revealed its vaccination status.

After a leaked email sent to WTA players Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed unvaccinated players could compete in a grand slam tournament if they performed two weeks of hard quarantine.

However, Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews closed the door, demanding – just like unvaccinated fans – that rude players not be allowed into Melbourne Park.

Now Woodbridge said pressure is accumulating on Djokovic and his ambition.

“One thing (that) stuck in my mind today is that Novak has received a challenge from Rafael Nadal,” Woodbridge said. 2GB WWOS radio.

“Now, the challenge here is, ‘Can he take the tournament and take 21 (big wins) and go back to the front?’ Does Novak want to let him do that? I’m sure he doesn’t want (Nadal) to be in that position, so at some point Novak will have to call (will he be vaccinated).

“Novak – he keeps us guessing. But in the end it just puts pressure on him to make a decision one way or another. And – who knows? – maybe he’s already done it.”

Rafa Nadal’s huge Aus Open announcement

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Earlier, Nadal surprised fans after his announcement that he would be back on the field soon.

The 20-time grand slam champion overtook the Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon to try to get back to full condition before the US Open.

However, after suffering a shock loss to Lloyd Harris at the Washington Open, Nadal withdrew from the US Open and announced that he would take a break for the rest of 2021 due to a foot injury.

Now he plans to come back later this year.

“My plan is to play in Abu Dhabi in December and then in a tournament before Australia and then the Australian Open,” Nadal said.

“It simply came to our notice then.

“We are working hard for it.

“The leg injury still needs to heal a bit, but I’m already training for almost an hour and a half a day, so that’s positive.

“Some days are better than others, but I’m starting to have a lot more positive days than negative ones.

“So I’m on the right track. I’m training, I’m better. I’m back on the field.”

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