Australian Open: Rafa Nadal, on the Djokovic case: “No tennis player is above the Australian Open”

“If he plays everything perfect, but if not also,” said Nadal in reference to the possible absence of Novak Djokovic

• Open de Australia Novak Djokovic, arrested again in Australia while waiting for the hearing that will decide if he is deported

The Spanish Rafael Nadal (6) has explained in reference to the possible absence of Novak Djokovic (1) that “there is no tennis player who is above an event like the Open de Australia” in his press conference prior to the start of the Australian ‘major’ that will take place this Monday.

“If it plays everything perfect, but if not also. I wish him the best, we have done great things together for the circuit”, he added after completing his morning training session with the American Taylor Fritz.

The Spaniard argued that “it is important to accept that not everything is perfect after being away for six months” from the competition.

“It’s normal to make some mistakes or move a little bit slower. A few months ago I didn’t even know if I was going to come, so I’m very happy to be back”, commented the champion of 20 Grand Slam titles who will face the American in the first round Marcos Giron.

“He could have faced me last week but in the end it didn’t happen. All rivals are difficult in the first round of a Grand Slam and more so in my situation. I just worry about mine and then we’ll see what’s on the other side of the track,” said the 2009 champion.

The Majorcan criticized the circuit’s tendency to include hollower balls and therefore less likely to acquire effects, although he pointed out that he has no choice but to adapt.

“The ball changes completely from day to night. Also when it’s humid it gets very slow and when it’s a drier climate very fast. This favors players who play flatter but I have to adapt”, concluded the tennis player who will meet this Sunday if his debut will take place on Monday or Tuesday.