Australian Open will likely be an amazing event with or with out Novak Djokovic, says Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal took a dig at rival Novak Djokovic on Saturday, saying the Australian Open will likely be an amazing event with or with out the world’s primary tennis participant. Ahead of the beginning of the primary Grand Slam on Monday, Nadal instructed reporters at Melbourne Park: “The Australian Open is much more important than any player.”

Nadal additional stated that “too many questions” nonetheless wanted to be answered regarding Djokovic’s bid to play on the Australian Open.The lead-up to the event has been fully dominated by world primary Djokovic’s battle to compete at Melbourne Park within the face of a authorities making an attempt to deport him after canceling his visa twice.Questions stay over how Djokovic was given a well being exemption by Australian authorities to play within the event with out being vaccinated for COVID-19, solely to have his visa cancelled on arrival.”I tell you one thing, it’s very clear that Novak Djokovic is one of the best players of the history, without a doubt. But there is no one player in history that’s more important than an event, no? The players stays and then goes, and other players are coming,” Nadal instructed reporters/”No one, even Roger, Novak, myself, Bjorn Borg who was amazing at his times, tennis keep going. Australian Open is much more important than any player. If he’s playing finally, okay. If he’s not playing, Australian Open will be great Australian Open with or without him. That’s my point of view.Nadal, level on a record 20 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic and the absent Roger Federer, said he wished him “all the easiest” but wanted more details about his case.”From my viewpoint (there) is numerous questions that should be answered,” Nadal told reporters at Melbourne Park.”In some methods I feel (it) will likely be good if every thing clarifies quickly, no?”I really respect him, even if I (do) not agree with a lot of things that he did the last couple of weeks.”After having his visa cancelled for a second time on Friday, Djokovic will combat to have the choice overturned at a courtroom listening to on Sunday.