Melbourne (dpa) – In contrast to his long-term rival Novak Djokovic, the Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal managed to optimally prepare for the Australian Open.
While the Serbian number one in the world was waiting in a deportation hotel for a court hearing of his refusal to enter Australia, Nadal celebrated a successful comeback with his 89th title. With the 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 3 in the final in Melbourne against the American qualifier Maxime Cressy, the 35-year-old got in the mood for the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
“I’m coming back after some challenging moments with injuries so I couldn’t be happier,” said Nadal. “It means a lot to me to be back with a trophy in my hands.”
Nadal defied all adverse circumstances
For him it was the first title since May 2021, when he won in Rome. The world number six last played a tournament five months ago, after which he had to pause due to a complicated foot injury. There were doubts as to how strong he could come back anyway. Shortly before Christmas, the Mallorcan experienced the next setback when he was infected with the corona virus.
But the left-hander defied all adverse circumstances and won his first tournament appearance since August. “Tonight I played the best match since arriving here,” said Nadal. “It’s a positive start.” And it is a small hint that he could also be expected at the Australian Open that begins on January 17th. The Grand Slam tournament will be held at the same place as the preparatory event.
“This title helps keep going and of course it’s just the beginning,” said Nadal. He has a week of training to get fit for the attack on the 21st Grand Slam title. Like Djokovic, the Spaniard could become the sole record champion in the four most important tournaments with a triumph at the Australian Open. He had previously shown little sympathy for Djokovic. “I had Covid, I have been vaccinated twice. If you do that, you have no problem playing here and anywhere in the world,” he said. Djokovic had been refused entry because, in the opinion of the authorities, he was unable to present the necessary documents for a medical exemption to be exempt from a corona vaccination.
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