Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic they are the most successful tennis players in the Majors, leading with 22 crowns. Roger Federer clinched his 20th Major title at the 2018 Australian Open, building a healthy lead over his main rivals.
However, Djokovic and Nadal have been competitive ever since, stepping over the Swiss and continuing the solo battle. Novak secured his 10th Australian Open title a couple of weeks ago, following Rafa’s top 22 trophies and looks good to move on to the Spaniard for the rest of the season or 2024.
After many years on the Tour, there is nothing that separates Nadal and Djokovic in the Major Leagues. The Spaniard has won 87.95% of the matches (314-43), followed by the Serbian with 87.88% (341-47). Novak should surpass Rafa at the end of the season if he maintains this state of form and his usual level in the big four, with his sights set on the Grand Slam on the calendar.
Nadal only picked up one win in Melbourne, dealt with injury and missed out on the title and nearly 2,000 points. Rafa defeated Jack Draper in the first round after a great battle before losing to Mackenzie McDonald. The Spaniard didn’t show the best side of him early on, and things got even worse after injuring his left hip late in the second set.
Djokovic was also suffering from an injury, injuring his left leg during the title match in Adelaide. The Serb arrived in Melbourne far from 100% his, fighting through the first three rounds and bringing in a doctor from Belgrade to help him with a hamstring injury.
Novak overcame Roberto Carballes Baena, Enzo Couacaud and Grigor Dimitrov to find himself in the round of 16. The Serbian was not looking good after the clash against the Bulgarian, but everything became clear from the next round.
With no leg pain, Novak disposed of Alex De Minaur and Andrey Rublev to reach the semifinals.
Latest news on Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has requested a waiver from the United States government. «It becomes a tricky situation at that point.
You know, if you excuse the great tennis player, then a lot of the family members and others who have been trying to get in, it’s a sticky situation, where do you take that call?» Prakash Amritraj said on Tennis Channel.
«If you look at him from a tennis perspective, he has established himself as the best tennis player in the world,» continued Amritaj. «So for all of us, it’s a huge shame not to have him at two of the biggest events we have.»
