Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic own the two largest Grand Slam trophies in the history of men’s professional tennis. They are the two most promising current figures in their sport; no one approaches them. They are both around 35 years old and don’t know how much longer they will be at the top of tennis.
For all these rivals have in common, Nadal and Djokovic enter the Australian Open, which begins Monday, under contrasting circumstances.
Of course, Nadal is the defending champion at Melbourne Park — thanks to coming back from two sets down in last year’s final in what he called “one of the most emotional victories of his career.” But he arrives with a losing streak: 0-2 so far in 2023 and winning only one of his last seven duels dating back to the previous season.
While Djokovic returns to Australia after being banned last year for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, he kicked off his season with a prep title in Adelaide and has won 30 of the last 31 tournaments dating back to last season.
In the press conference on Saturday before the tournament, Nadal was asked if he felt vulnerable and he did not try to hide anything.
“Yes, without a doubt,” replied the 36-year-old Spaniard, whose 2022 was plagued with health problems, including chronic pain, rib cartilage damage and a torn abdominal muscle. “I’ve been losing more than usual… I have to live with it and fight to win.”
Before facing Jack Draper, a 21-year-old left-handed British tennis player who ranked 40th in the world, at the Rod Laver Arena, Nadal assured: “I think I am well prepared. We’ll see on Monday if I’m ready to win.”
Nadal’s assessment of Djokovic’s form was: “He finished last year well and started this year well.”
Of course he did. Nothing that matters as much to Djokovic as winning another Grand Slam title. Winning what would be his 10th Australian Open championship in two weeks would take the 35-year-old Serb to 22 major titles and tie Nadal (both surpassing now-retired Rafael Nadal’s 20 titles).
“I mean, that’s why I keep playing professional tennis, (competitive) tennis, because I want to be the best. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. It’s no secret,” Djokovic said after days before facing Roberto Carballes Baena (75) at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.
“There is nothing bigger than this. You have four Slams that have historically been the biggest events in our sport.”