Rafael Nadal says Novak Djokovic’s return to the Australian Open is good for tennis

Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia this week for almost a year after he was expelled from the country over his COVID-19 vaccination. His return means Rafael Nadal will struggle to defend his 2022 Australian Open title, but the Spanish veteran says he is happy to see Djokovic compete.

“Novak is here. Good for tennis. Good probably for the fans,” Nadal said. “… The best players on the field always win.”

Djokovic — the most searched athlete on Google in 2022 — has won at Melbourne Park a record nine times. He will open the 2023 season at the Adelaide International 1 as he prepares to chase his 10th Australian Open title.

Nadal and Djokovic are the two most dominant players of the Open Era, having won all four majors at least twice. They have often been called part of the Big 3, which also included Rodger Federer, who retired from the ATP Tour and Grand Slams in 2022.

The two veterans had strong seasons in 2022, with Nadal winning the French Open and Djokovic winning Wimbledon. They have played each other 59 times, with Djokovic holding a slight 30-29 advantage in their all-time series. They are two very fierce competitors who are often neck and neck when it comes to achievements. Nadal has an all-time record 22 Grand Slams, while Djokovic is just one shy of matching him with a total of 21 major titles.

Nadal is currently training in Sydney as he competes in the inaugural United Cup, which starts on December 29 and runs until January 8. Australian Nick Kyrgios officially withdrew on the eve of the tournament due to injury.

Nadal wasn’t the only one rejoicing at Djokovic’s return to Melbourne Park. Australian Open director Craig Tiley said at a press conference this week that Djokovic is, as usual, a tough competitor.

“Novak is welcome in Australia,” Tiley said. “I think as we speak he’s landed in Adelaide and he’s going to be the player to beat (at the Australian Open) again.”

The Australian Open starts at Melbourne Park on January 16.