‘We Will See Novak at an Incredible Level’: Darren Cahill Believes Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open Win Will Push Novak Djokovic’s Boundaries

20-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic hasn’t had a great start to 2022. The Serbian suffered a big setback after the Australian government deported him from the country for his stance about vaccination. With Djokovic not playing the Happy Slam, Rafael Nadal took advantage and won his 21st Grand Slam title. 

Meanwhile, Australian coach Darren Cahill recently talked about the impact of Nadal’s win on Djokovic. He also talked about the favorite to win the French Open, which will take place in May.

Darren Cahill feels Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will be the favorites to win Roland Garros

Former coach of Simona Halep, Darren Cahill feels Novak Djokovic’s level has been top-notch for the last few years. He also thinks, if the Serb plays the French Open, he will be the favorite to win alongside Rafael Nadal. According to him, Nadal will always be his favorite on clay court. 

“If Novak returns, we will talk about him and Nadal as the first favorites. Of course, you have to be ready to beat Nadal in five sets on clay, we all know how hard it is, but Novak has shown an impressive level in the last few years,” Cahill said. 

Cahill also talked about Novak’s form in the next few years and the Big Three. “Novak will use this to ignite the fire he has always played with. I believe he is still looking for a way to improve his game. I think we will see Novak at an incredible level in the next few years,” the Australian stated.

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“I think that Rafa’s success has a similar effect on Roger. He might have thought – If Rafa can still do this, why can’t I? I believe that this outcome had an impact on all members of the Big Three. Also, Rafa now has a lot more energy,” Cahill further added. 

(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

What’s next for Djokovic?

Despite not playing at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic still holds the no.1 spot in the ATP rankings. The Serb will play his next tournament in Dubai in February. It will be his first tournament of 2022. 

If Novak gets cleared to play the French Open, he will be one of the favorites to win the tournament, no doubt. Before that, he will need to figure out the situation regarding vaccination or a possible exemption in France. Surely, Novak doesn’t want to miss another Grand Slam, like the Australian Open.

Will Novak play at the French Open? Let us know in the comments.

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