Rafael Nadal has been speaking about Novak Djokovic, having returned to Melbourne in preparation for the Serbian’s final.
He will be an esteemed guest of honour as he watches his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz seek to win his first-ever Australian Open title.
A two-time champion at this event, Rafael Nadal remains one of tennis’ most revered and respected figures despite it being well over a year since his retirement.
And now, speaking about Novak Djokovic, the Spaniard has actually touched on whether he is surprised to see the 38-year-old still performing at the very top of the sport despite his age.
Rafael Nadal speaks about Novak Djokovic still playing
Nadal was keen to dismiss any rumours of Djokovic’s retirement.
And, he also insisted that the 24-time Grand Slam champion is nothing but positive for tennis, with his continued presence at the apex of the sport only boosting its image and his own legacy.
Should Djokovic retire whatever happens in the Australian Open final and go out in a blaze of glory?
However, Nadal admitted, were it not for the crippling injury issues that plagued his entire career, he too would still be present and competitive today.
He claimed: “I’m not surprised to see Novak in the final. Why not? I would also be competing if it hadn’t been for the injuries. If you are not exhausted from everything that tennis implies, you can continue.
“It is very positive for our sport that he continues to be active and is able to compete one-on-one with young tennis players. He is not at his best, but he still has everything he needs to be eligible for great successes.
“He deserves a lot of respect. I consider Novak a great example for everyone of resilience and commitment.”
Nadal also named his favourite to win the Australian Open final out of Djokovic and Alcaraz.
Rafael Nadal’s career was held back by injuries
Whilst Nadal had one of the greatest careers in sporting history, there’s no denying that it was restricted by injuries.
After all, he suffered more than any of his rivals, and yet retired with 22 major titles as well as numerous other accolades.
What would have happened if Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played at the same time as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
A crucial statistic that exhibits his superiority and misfortune is the fact that he missed more Grand Slam events (17) than he lost to members of the big four and Stan Wawrinka (14) at majors.
Were he not plagued with so many different issues, many of which were freak injuries out of his control, Nadal surely would have finished his sparkling career with even more trophies to his name.
And, as he’s just noted, we might have even still seen him playing today.
