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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 11, 2021. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Spain’s Rafael Nadal after winning their semi final match. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 11, 2021. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Spain’s Rafael Nadal after winning their semi final match. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Rafael Nadal has had a dream start to the 2022 season. The Spaniard was forced to miss the latter half of the previous season owing to an injury. However, his start to this season has been stupendous. Nadal began the new season by winning the Melbourne Summer Set title. He dominated each of his opponents there en route to lifting the trophy.
Further, the 35-year-old created history by becoming the first player to win 21 Grand Slam men’s singles titles. He defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the summit clash of the Australian Open 2022. With this victory, he left behind Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the race for most Grand Slam singles titles.
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Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022. Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the men’s singles final with trophy as Russia’s Daniil Medvedev looks on. REUTERS/Morgan Sette
On the other hand, Novak Djokovic’s start to this season has been the opposite. The Serb was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open after the cancelation of his visa. Moreover, he is yet to play a tournament this season. Recently, the Spaniard opened up on the mentality of his long-term rival.
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DIVE DEEPER: ‘A Weak Backhand Just Trying to Push In’- Roger Federer Describing His Own Shots Is Hilarious
Rafael Nadal considers Novak Djokovic ‘a machine’
Nico Rosberg interviewed the Spanish legend on the latter’s yacht, the ‘Great White’. The 2016 Formula One World Champion and Nadal were discussing the mentality needed to succeed in the long run. Rosberg, while giving an example of Djokovic, said, “If you take Djokovic, I don’t think he’s on the super-sensitive side.”
Nadal expressed his opinion and said, “He’s more maybe a machine in terms of mentality. But I am sure that he has his doubts too.” Further, he added, “We have different characters. Both things are good, and you need to find your way. That’s my point of view.”
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Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Italian Open – Foro Italico, Rome, Italy – May 16, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal shakes hands with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning the final REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
On the recipe for success, Nadal said, “There is no only one way to have success or to accomplish your dreams. There are different ways, and you need to find your personal one.”
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While Rafael Nadal would aim to continue his winning run in the coming tournaments, Novak Djokovic will look to put his Australian Open disappointment behind him. He would strive to come back strongly at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Meanwhile, Nadal will next be seen in action at Abierto Mexicano in Acapulco, Mexico.
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