Australian great believes Rafael Nadal’s return puts pressure on Novak Djokovic to make Australian Open decision
Rafael Nadal’s announcement that he plans to participate in next year’s Australian Open has put the burden on Novak Djokovic to make a decision one way or the other about the season-opening Grand Slam, according to Australian great Todd Woodbridge.
Having been forced to end his 2021 campaign prematurely due to injury, Nadal revealed earlier this week that he plans to return to action in Abu Dhabi in December before heading to Australia for the hard-court Grand Slam.
Rafael Nadal reveals the news his fans have been waiting for as he prepares to return
Djokovic, meanwhile, is yet to make a decision as he is awaiting communication from Tennis Australia about whether or not unvaccinated players will be handed visas.
The world No 1 has also stated that he won’t reveal if he has been vaccinated or not, and won’t comment on the issue again until an official decision has been made by the powers that be.
Woodbridge, though, feels Nadal’s announcement has put pressure on Djokovic due to the race for most Grand Slam titles as he duo, along with Roger Federer, are tied on 20.
“One thing (that) stood out to me is that Novak has been laid the challenge from Rafael Nadal,” the Australian told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.
“Now, the challenge within that is, ‘does he win the tournament and take 21 (major wins) and get back in front?’ Does Novak want to let him do that? I’m sure he won’t want (Nadal) to be in that position, so at some point Novak is going to have to make that call (as to whether he gets vaccinated).
“Novak – he continues to keep us guessing. But, in the end, it’s only building pressure on him to make a decision one way or the other. And – who knows? – maybe he already has.”
Latest
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios snaps back after being branded “evil” and “a bully” by Stefanos Tsitsipas
The main interview room at Wimbledon was…
-
NewsNick Kyrgios roadshow rumbles on at Wimbledon as he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in bad-tempered thriller
Nick Kyrgios knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal sees off Lorenzo Sonego and insists there was nothing ‘spicy’ about net conversation
Rafael Nadal marches on at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonIga Swiatek philosophical after her incredible streak ends with Wimbledon exit
Iga Swiatek seeing her glass as half full.
-
WimbledonCameron Norrie on facing Tommy Paul at Wimbledon: ‘Good friends off the court, but it’s going to be a battle’
Norrie takes on his practice partner in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonAlize Cornet after snapping Iga Swiatek’s 37-match winning streak: ‘Good wine always ages well’
Alize Cornet is aging like a fine wine as the veteran upset Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonAmanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
WimbledonImpressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
WimbledonKatie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
WimbledonTatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.