2023-12-28 09:38:00
Grand Slam record winner Novak Djokovic believes his great rival Rafael Nadal can make a successful comeback on the tennis tour.
“They deregistered him many times, they did that to me too. But we proved them wrong,” said Djokovic on the sidelines of a show match once morest Carlos Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia.
“He’s not a player who returns to the tour just to play at an intermediate level and play a few matches,” the Serb continued: “He wants to win titles, he wants to be the best, that’s why he is what he is is: a legend of our sport.” Djokovic said he was sure that Nadal’s preparation was aimed at “winning a Grand Slam.”
Nadal (37) is celebrating his eagerly awaited return to the tennis court at the ATP tournament in Brisbane (December 31st to January 7th).
Compulsory break for Nadal ends
The Spanish clay court specialist had been out since January with severe hip flexor problems and had to undergo an operation, among other things. The 2024 season is expected to be his last.
Nadal’s designated successor as Spain’s tennis idol, 20-year-old Alcaraz, also believes in the veteran: “I think he’s ready. I’ve seen videos of him training – he’s at 100 percent,” said Alcaraz. Nadal is able to reach his “top level” once more: “He will be ready for great things.”
Alcaraz’s rivalry with Djokovic: “Always great”
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