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Tag: Djokovic

Djokovic Talks About Medvedev Overtaking Him for Number 1 Spot

Posted on by Chirag

The current World No. 1 sits atop a long list of ATP candidates willing to win and take away the spot from the Serbian champion. 

Novak Djokovic has although almost lost his number one spot after being away from tennis due to legally not being allowed to play in Australia due to vaccine mandates. With the World Number 2, Daniil Medvedev reaching the finals in Australia, he jumped up the ratings drastically and is now very close to reach World No. 1

In an interview, Djokovic said, “It’s in his hands. He deserves to be No. 1,” Djokovic said Sunday before his season debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. “Eventually it’s going to happen. If it happens this week, I’ll be the first one to congratulate him.”

“The only scenario that I have in my head is to win every match that I play here,” Djokovic said.

“It’s great to be here. I’ve had some wonderful results in this tournament. It’s been a while since I played for the first time in [the] Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” Djokovic said. “[I have] many wonderful memories on and off the court.”

“It’s always a very solid, very hard draw and field. Every match you get to play is really on a Grand Slam, ATP Masters 1000 level. It is a 500 category, but it feels that it’s stronger than that definitely with the field of players,” Djokovic said. “I’m excited. I haven’t played a match since Davis Cup in Spain last December. Can’t wait to start an official match tomorrow night.”

“Of course, [my] first match is going to be very important to kind of start off the campaign in this year’s tournament in a positive way,” Djokovic said. “I have a young, very talented, tricky opponent in Lorenzo Musetti, who has had a big win over [Hubert] Hurkacz a few weeks ago in Rotterdam.”

Djokovic Arrives in Dubai As Nadal Lands in Acapulco

Posted on by Chirag

The World No. 1 has been on a tennis hiatus since last year’s ATP finals post which he flew to Australia only to be controversially deported back to Serbia amidst an Anti-Vax row.  

The Serb has now been confirmed for the Dubai Duty Free tournament starting next week and arrived in Dubai yesterday. He now will start warming up today ahead of his first round match.

Meanwhile his Spanish counterpart and one of his biggest rivals Rafael Nadal arrived in Mexico.  Nadal, who won this year’s Australian Open to become the only male player with 21 grand slams in the open era leaving behind Djokovic and Federer by 1 insanely amazing comeback in Melbourne.

The two are expected to finally be in the same tournament after nearly a year and might even clash against each other after almost 2 years as both want to make it to the Indian Wells in California. 

“I’m proud to be on this stage,” Djokovic said after his wife Jelena gave a presentation about the foundation’s work with children. The serb seems excited to be back on the court and able to play tennis without any legal issues over his anti-vax opinions. 

“It feels great, it feels great to be here,” said the Serb. “I always loved Dubai, I loved coming here. I had plenty of tennis success [in Dubai] and I’m excited to go out on the tennis court next Monday.

“I miss tennis, honestly, after everything that has happened in the previous couple of months. And of course, the purpose of the visit to the Expo is obviously promoting our foundation’s work. I’m just glad that we managed to combine the schedule and it allowed me to be here with everyone.”

Djokovic Keen On Playing in Dubai Amidst Vaccine Drama

Posted on by Chirag

The World No 1, Novak Djokovic has been quoted to be eager to play in Dubai after a controversial interview where he put his opinions and morales considering the vaccine on a higher level than any grand slam trophy this year. 

“I am excited to go back and play on Monday,” he told the media at Expo. “I miss tennis after all that has happened.”

“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” he said.

“I was prepared not to go to Australia. I understand not being vaccinated today, I am unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment,” Djokovic added.

“The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else,” he said.

“I was never against vaccination,” added Djokovic, who said he had received vaccines as a child. “But I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”

ANother upcoming tournament is the Indian Wells in California which has only allowed vaccinated players to take part. However, Djokovic’s name has been included so it remains to be seen if the World No. 1 will be given exemption to enter the United States in a matter of three weeks. 

Rafael Nadal Talks About Recovery and Comebacks

Posted on by Chirag

The only 21 time grand slam winner in tennis history came back to his hometown in Mallorca to a huge crowd and celebrations as everyone welcomed back a hero. Now Nadal is taking a break from tennis until early March as the Indian Wells come up.

“It’s important to have real inner humility, not false humility, to accept that things don’t always go well, and tolerate bad times better,” he said. “One of the keys to me continuing to play tennis today is that I tolerated success and failure equally.”

The Spaniard claimed he always looked forward to gaining “a broader knowledge” when it came to his own health. He also said developing healthy habits directly affects the daily aspects of one’s life. “I always say and believe that everything can be improved, and days like today help us do it, not because in the end, you have a broader knowledge of the things we need,” the Spaniard said.

“Above all, to be able to enjoy life… But without health it becomes impossible. This is the reality.”

Meanwhile, one of his biggest competitors and close personal friend Roger Federer sits in Switzerland recovering from various knee surgeries and injuries from his long legendary career. With Djokovic not willing to take the vaccine in order to play at any tennis tournament around the world, it seems likely that Nadal might have to find competition within the ‘next gen’ of Tennis. 

Daniil Medvedev to F1?

Posted on by Chirag

The Russian tennis star and recent finalist of the Australian Open withdrew from a couple of tournaments this month to take a short break to recover from the brutal and intense finals match against the now 21 time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.

The former US Open Champion joined a couple of stars from the Formula 1 world in a Karting event this week. The Russian was joined by former Red Bull driver Daniil Kyvat and former Red Bull and current Williams driver Alex Albon.

Daniil Medvedev probably wouldn’t shift sports considering how great he is doing in the Tennis world but he is close to fellow Russian Daniil Kyvat who has had a good career in Formula 1 and other motor racing.

Medvedev now will play in a couple of South American tournaments before heading off to the Indian Wells where he will be again playing with the likes of Nadal, Djokovic, Tsitsipas and more.

As Rafael Nadal practices back at his home courts in Manacor, Mallorca Daniil Medvedev is enjoying a week’s time at least as he recuperates from almost winning his first Australian Open title.

Medvedev said on twitter, joking about this karting event, “They broke the news early! 

@redbullracing….🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ Who goes @Max33Verstappen or @SChecoPerez?? 🤣👍 (in all seriousness. Respect for all these guys. Was tough today)”

Rafael Nadal Talks About His Best Comeback Ever

Posted on by Chirag

The now 21 time Grand Slam winner spoke yesterday about his incredible performance at the Australian Open Finals on Sunday night against the World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev. 

The Spaniard now stands atop the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who both came out to acknowledge and congratulate Rafa after he pulled off one of the best comebacks in Sports History.

“A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing, never underestimate a great champion.. Your incredible work ethic, fighting skill and dedication are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more. As you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now, enjoy this one,” said Federer on his Instagram.

Meanwhile Djokovic said on twitter, “Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS,” Djokovic said. “Amazing achievement. Always an impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.”

“Enhorabuena @Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.”

Nadal in his post match interview had this to say, “”First of all I know it’s a tough moment, Daniil, you are an amazing champion. I’ve been in this position a couple of times in this tournament, having chances to have the trophy with me, but I don’t have any doubt that you have had this trophy a couple of times in your career, because you’re amazing, so I want to congratulate you,” said the 35-year old. “It was one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career and to share a court with you is just an honour, so all the best in the future. I even don’t know what to say, guys. For me, it’s just amazing, being honest, one month and a half ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to be back on the tour playing tennis again. And today I’m here in front of all you with this trophy with me, and you don’t know how much I’ve fought to be here. I can’t thank you enough for all the support I’ve had since I arrived here, you are just amazing.”

https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1487791222299242502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1487791222299242502%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.republicworld.com%2Fsports-news%2Ftennis-news%2Frafael-nadal-reflects-on-historic-21st-grand-slam-win-most-emotional-match-of-my-career-articleshow.html

“What Would Novak Do?” Asks Medvedev

Posted on by Chirag

Danni Medvedev won his quarter finals match against the young Canadian Aliassime yesterday in a thrilling five set match. Hope seemed to have been lost for Medvedev as he lost the first two sets to the Canadian. However in one of the best comebacks in Australian Open history, Medvedev went on to win the next 3 sets straight in a row to secure his spot against Tsitsipas on Friday.

Post the grueling match, Medvedev was in a good mood, and said ““I have no idea!” When asked about the intense heat and physicality.

“I mean, talking about the match point, I managed to serve well. If it had been a second serve, we never know what would happen. Talking about the whole match. It’s funny this bag, I usually come with a lot of (spare) clothes, just in case, you know six shirts, three pairs of shoes, whatever. Now it’s empty!”

“I didn’t really know what to do,” Medvedev explained. “Actually I don’t know if people are going to like it but I told myself ‘what would Novak (Djokovic) do?’”

At this point, the crowd serenaded him with boos with the mention of the World no. 1 

“Because he is one of the greatest champions, or Rafa (Nadal) or Roger (Federer) to be honest, they’ve won so many matches like this.”

At the mention of Nadal and Federer, the crowd cheered in response.

“And I just thought ‘ok, I’m going to make (Auger-Aliassime) work.’”. “If he wants to win it, he needs to fight until the last point, even if it’s 5-0, 40-0 for him, I’m going to try to make him tired for the next match, you know? Just fight until the last point, and it worked.”

Nadal Destroys Kachanov to Reach Round of 16

Posted on by Chirag

The 20 time grand slam winner looks ready to fight for another grand slam title and show the young and new era of ATP that the likes of Djokovic and himself aren’t done yet.

The Spaniard met Karen Kachanov in the round 3 encounter yesterday evening with a strong Head to Head record against the Russian. However since the past few matches between the two it has been difficult for Nadal to beat the youngster.

But this time, it wasn’t that hard for Nadal. Rafa took the first and second set at 6-3,6-2 and then surprisingly lost a set to the Russian as he tried new service return positions behind the baseline.

The Russian took the second set in quite convincing fashion at 3-6. But, just when it looked like Kachanov could pull a rabbit out of his hat and get this to an elusive 5th set tie breaker, Nadal stopped testing and went beast mode.

The Spaniard quickly pulled into the right gear and looked like the Rafa of old as he brought out his running down the line backhand and then his famous arm pump celebration.

With Nadal in the Round of 16, he will now face the frenchman Adrian Mannarino tomorrow at the Rod Laver Arena. Alexander Zverev also qualified for the Round of 16 by beating Albot 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Murray Hunting his 47th Title as He Reaches Sydney Finals

Posted on by cbtfhome

Andy Murray, the former member of the ‘Big Four’ has reached yet another finals in his long career as he beat Reily Opelka to reach the Sydney Classic Finals just 2 days before he begins his Australian Open Campaign.

Amidst the Djokovic controversy it has become difficult for the Scot to shine and have his day in the glory but nonetheless he has beaten young up and coming stars to reach another milestone in his career. 

Murray lost the first set 6-7 in a tiebreak as Opelka reached 6 points with a 2 point gap, however did make a comeback in front of the electric crowd no matter the size. He went on to win 2 sets in a row to cement his spot in the finals with a 6-4, 6-4 set score.

Murray has kept himself busy this week though. After getting involved on twitter during the Djokovic court battle, Murray has now come out and commented on Australia cancelling Novak’s Visa for the second and last time ahead of the Australian Open, saying, “It’s unfortunate that it’s ended up in this sort of situation … [I] just want it to get resolved. I think it would be good for everyone if that was the case. It just seems like it’s dragged on for quite a long time now, and yeah, not great for tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak.”

Post his match he also said, “It would be amazing to start the year with a trophy, but it’s already been a big week for me,”

“To string four results together like this is much more than I managed last year. I lost a tight first set and it’s not easy to come back against someone who serves like that, but I love competing.”

Djokovic Wins the Right to Stay in Australia as Deportation Still Looms Over his Head

Posted on by cbtfhome

The World No. 1 Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia a couple of weeks ago with a medical exemption from the Australian Open. He was then detained at the Melbourne Airport and subsequently at a cheap hotel nearby.

The hold was on the basis that he had failed to provide all information and documentation on arrival. That meant that Djokovic wasn’t vaccinated and thus wasn’t allowed in the country. However, post a court battle against Prime Minister Morrison, Djokovic has walked out a free man.

Yesterday the judge ruled that Djokovic is to be released from the hotel and is a free man in Australia immediately. The government lost the case and had to let Djokovic go free without any vaccination certifications and with Djokovic mentioning in the press that he does not and will not want to get vaccinated.

Djokovic has now been ruled free but however, the government still has the last call on deportation of any person. They can still deport Djokovic amidst non vaccination issues as he continues his way to the Australian Open in just 6 days.

With many sports people and critics talking about this situation there are two major sides. The first side is against the Djokovic treatment and believes he should be allowed to play with exemption as he can defend his title. The other side, with reason, says vaccination laws are important right now and to show that you will allow one person in your country who isn’t vaccinated just shows off an unfair judicial system.