Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are fighting to win the most number of Grand Slams. The Serbian phenom is still in the running at the Australian Open, despite a left hamstring injury hammering his performance. The former world No.
1 defeated Grigor Dimitrov in three close sets and will face local favorite Alex de Minaur for a place in the quarterfinals. Rafa, for his part, was eliminated in the second round by the American McDonald. As if that were not enough, the 36- year-old from Manacor suffered a second-degree injury in the ileus-psoas that will keep him away from the pitch for about two months.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will surely miss the ATP 500 in Dubai, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain. It would not be so surprising to see Nadal directly on the red clay of Monte Carlo. In recent days, several Tennis players have complained about the Dunlop balls used in this edition of the Australian Open.
Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and Felix Auger-Aliassime have been the toughest about it. Some tennis players on the circuit have complained about the quality of the balls for this 2023 edition of the Australian Open, starting with Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray or even Félix Auger-Aliassime.
Dunlop, official supplier of the tournament as well as the Turin Masters but also the Monte Carlo Open for example, he therefore wanted to clarify things for us.
Nole Djokovic is growing up
Being the victim of a tennis hurricane should never be a tasty dish, especially when you are in front of your audience and there were reasons to dream of a miracle.
Álex de Miñaur has experienced the bitter feeling of being swept off the track by Novak Djokovic in these round of 16 of the Australian Open 2023. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve played against anyone who had that level of tennis.
What I’ve experienced I have a feeling must be Novak’s highest level, or at least I hope so. If he continues this game, I’m clear that will take the title”, commented the Australian before delving into his feeling of impotence.
“He put constant pressure on me, I couldn’t get into the game for a single moment and I couldn’t even get a free point on my serve. It’s amazing how he’s moved around the court and how deep he can play on all his shots. He made it impossible for me to execute my game plan, which was to be aggressive and take time away from him.
It was like he could make me winners from anywhere on the court, there were times when I didn’t know what I was doing on the court,” reflects Alex. In Australia there was great expectation to see this game since doubts about the physical condition of the Serb only increased in his duel against Dimitrov.
However, Novak did not show any signs of discomfort. Questioned about this, De Miñaur was laconic. “I don’t know, tell me if you thought he was injured. I certainly, being on the other side of the track, gave me the feeling that he moved perfectly.
We’ve been talking about his left leg for two weeks, but either I’m not good enough tennis player, or is he perfect after having seen what happened today”, he sentenced.