‘Gave Rafa More Faith’: Diego Schwartzman Explains How Novak Djokovic’s Absence Benefitted Rafael Nadal at Australian Open 2022

Rafael Nadal once again made history last week at Melbourne Park by becoming the first man ever to win 21 Grand Slam Titles. He survived an epic battle with World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, in a match that was almost 5 and a half hours long. Nadal was two sets down, and Medvedev even had three break points in the third set.

While for a moment it seemed that this would become the Russian’s second Grand Slam title, Nadal turned things around for himself, in what was a tremendous display of grit, skill, and mental fortitude. He later said that this was undoubtedly one of his most emotional wins because he knew what was going through in his life just months prior to his return to the tour.

After not playing for 6 months because of his injury, he said quite a few times he knew he hadn’t practiced enough to achieve this feat at all.

Read more: ‘Loud and Clear’: Boris Becker Says Rafael Nadal Is Not Just a Clay Court King

Diego Schwartzman finds the return ‘really impressive’

Diego Schwartzman has been Rafael Nadal’s friend on the circuit for a while now, often practicing together. The World No. 14 recently said that no one was expecting such an impressive performance from Rafael Nadal.

He also guessed that even Rafael Nadal himself was not expecting this win. Though he has reached the finals at Melbourne Park 6 times, the last time he won was back in 2009.

Notably, Schwartzman said that the world No. 1’s absence from the draw contributed to Nadal’s performance at the tournament.”I think Nadal fed on Djokovic’s absence. Knowing that Novak was not there, as well as how he progressed in training, gave Rafi more faith. I think that what he has achieved is admirable and spectacular,” the 29-year-old Argentinian said.

Schwartzman practiced with Nadal before this year’s Australian Open as well. He also mentioned that it is impressive how despite being out of the circuit, and dealing with his injury, Rafael Nadal could elevate his level that he ends up ‘winning everything’ as if ‘nothing had happened.’

Do you agree with Diego’s comments on Nadal scripting history at the Australian Open 2022?

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