Rafael Nadal news: Ellen Perez hits back at Damir Dzumhur’s attempt to undermine Rafael Nadal’s title win

Ellen Perez has come out in defence of the newly crowned Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal after Damir Dzumhur tried to undermine the Spaniard’s victory in Australia.
The 35-year-old Nadal defeated world No 2 Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to lift his second title at Melbourne Park on Sunday.
By winning his 21st Grand Slam Down Under, Nadal left behind Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the race for most Grand Slams single’s titles as he now leads the Big Three in terms of most majors won.
Dzumhur posted a story on Instagram which read, “Anyone can win a grand slam without Novak competing. Still the goat Djoker!”
Imagine competing at a Djokovic-less slam and not winning it and then going on to say anyone can win it…. Logic = 0 https://t.co/GwFUd4BaNP
— Ellen Perez (@EllenPerez95) January 31, 2022
The Bosnian tennis player’s comments were not welcomed with good hands as he was criticised for trying to devalue Nadal.
Perez responded by saying: “Imagine competing at a Djokovic-less slam and not winning it and then going on to say anyone can win it…. Logic = 0.”
Last month Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title after the world No 1 lost his appeal case and was deported from the country following a drawnout saga.
Many Djokovic fans have been up in arms over Australia’s decision not to allow him to compete after he was initially given a medical clearance to compete despite not being vaccinated against Covid-19 with claiming there should be an asterisk next to the name of the winner.
After initially having visa revoked by the Australian Border Force, he was his first appeal case only for the country’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to use his personal powers to withdraw his visa for a a second time. Djokovic again appealed the decision, but three judges unanimously upheld Hawke’s decision and the Serbian was forced to leave the country.
Latest
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu cops biggest fine so far at 2022 French Open after ‘unacceptable’ incident
Irina-Camelia Begu lucky not to be disqualified, but not so lucky with the fine.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal produces his ‘best match’ at 2022 French Open, up next Felix Auger-Aliassime and Uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal edges closer to potential Novak Djokovic showdown.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic striving for perfection and more aggression after easing into Roland Garros fourth round
Novak Djokovic marches on at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Belinda Bencic fumes at umpire over time violation during defeat to Leylah Fernandez at Roland Garros
It’s Leylah Fernandez v Amanda Anisimova up next at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Exclusive – Why Carlos Alcaraz could be a hybrid of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Annabel Croft says Carlos Alcaraz has taken the best elements of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer to build his game.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic ‘is back’ says John McEnroe as he makes world No 1 ‘very slight’ favourite for Roland Garros title
John McEnroe tipping Novak Djokovic to win the 2022 French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’
Daniil Medvedev would jump at the chance to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios has ‘bigger fish to fry’ after Bernard Tomic challenges him ‘sort this out in the boxing ring’
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic won’t be stepping into a boxing ring any time soon.
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu escapes disqualification after ’embarrassing moment’ left young fan in tears
“I just want to apologise,” says Irina-Camelia Begu.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon to finally ditch the ‘Miss’ and ‘Mrs’ prefixes on its famous honours boards as it modernises
Welcome to 2022 Wimbledon.