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via Reuters

via Reuters

Rafael Nadal has had a dream start to the 2022 season. The Spaniard lifted the Melbourne Summer Set title before going into the Australian Open 2022. Yesterday, the 35-year-old created history by becoming the first player to win 21 Grand Slam titles in men’s singles.

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He defeated Daniil Medvedev of Russia in a marathon encounter to lift his second Australian Open title. Moreover, he left Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic behind in the race for most Grand Slam men’s singles titles.

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Nadal’s achievement on the court invited words of appreciation from fellow players and former legends. People flooded social media with praises for the Spaniard. However, a shocking revelation was made by a fellow player on the tour.

Damir Dzumhur makes a shocking statement after Rafael Nadal lifts the Australian Open 2022 trophy

The Bosnian tennis player erupted a controversy after he posted a story on Instagram which read, “Anyone can win a grand slam without Novak competing. Still the goat Djoker!”

Prior to the start of the opening Grand Slam of the season, Novak Djokovic was in the news for all the wrong reasons. The Serb had received a vaccine exemption to participate at the Australian Open 2022.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Before I am a Commentator, I am a Human Being’: Former Spanish Player Alex Corretja Gets Emotional as Rafael Nadal Scripts History at Australian Open 2022

However, upon landing in Australia, his visa was canceled and he was subsequently detained for failing to provide enough evidence for his exemption.

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via Reuters

Further, Djokovic decided to challenge his deportation in the Federal Courts of Australia and won the court case. However, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke canceled the Serb’s visa. Subsequently, a day before the commencement of the Australian Open, Djokovic lost the appeal and decided to return to his hometown.

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Can Novak Djokovic make a strong comeback in the coming tournaments? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Tennis Stars React To Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open 2022 Controversy