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Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts in his fourth round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts in his fourth round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
As the 2021 season is near the end, the tennis world has already started anticipating the Australian Open next year. Naturally, more than others, fans want to see Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic competing Down Under. But so far, two out of the big three have not confirmed their participation yet. Even so, Simona Halep’s former coach and tennis analyst, Darren Cahill, is confident they all will play.
More importantly, Cahill explained why it is likely Federer will play for his 21st Grand Slam in Melbourne Park. He also opened up on Nadal’s resurgence and Djokovic’s uncertainty of playing the Australian Open 2022. But ultimately, he is excited for the first annual Grand Slam event next year.
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Cahill on Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic’s Australian Open participation
As yet, tennis fans weren’t sure whether Federer would play in Australia or focus on Wimbledon again. However, tennis coach Cahill has shed some positive light on this topic.
“Roger (Federer) is apparently playing, I know he’s doing a lot of work on the court at the moment, and we’re pretty sure he’s going to come down to play the Australian Open. At 40 years of age, the fact that he’s even doing what he’s doing is quite remarkable. He’s trying to get 21 (major titles),” Cahill said.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand during his Men’s Singles match against Tennys Sandgren of USA on day nine of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
Furthermore, the Australian tennis coach reflected on Nadal‘s preparation for the 21st Grand Slam title. Fortunately, the Spaniard has already confirmed his participation in the Happy Slam next year.
“Rafael (Nadal) is training his backside off, I’ve seen a lot of vision of him in Spain, and he’s working incredibly hard going for 21,” Cahill added.
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Following that, Cahill lauded Djokovic for coming close to clinching the Calendar Slam in 2021. Later on, he reflected on the Serb’s Australian Open participation.
“Tennis is much bigger than one individual, I think Novak will be here, but if he doesn’t come down, the event will still be a major success. It will be disappointing not to see him, but once the event starts, away you go, and the stories develop,” Cahill said.
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Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 21, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Conclusively, Cahill claimed that the tournament in 2022 will be huge not just for the players but also for the public.
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Watch this story: Tennis Rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s Top Funny Moments
Who among Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic will get the 21st Grand Slam first?
At the end of the 2021 Grand Slam season, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have 20 Grand Slams each. Thus, it begs some intriguing questions: What will the numbers be at the end of next season? Who will become the first 21 Grand Slams winner?
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Considering their depth of experience, talent, and passion, all three could deservedly win their next major title. But we will have to wait and watch who lifts the next Grand Slam first among the big three.
