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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain (L) and Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand react after watching a video replay while on the sidelines during the Tie Break Tens ahead of the 2018 Australian Open at Margaret Court Arena on January 10, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain (L) and Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand react after watching a video replay while on the sidelines during the Tie Break Tens ahead of the 2018 Australian Open at Margaret Court Arena on January 10, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Over the years, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have been two of the most dominant forces in men’s tennis. They have been involved in some of the most intense matches that have been played over the past decade. Whenever they face each other, it’s guaranteed to be a brutal and closely contested match.
Recently, former tennis star David Ferrer spoke about the two amazing athletes and their chances of winning the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne next month. He felt that both Djokovic and Rafa can go the distance.
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have a fair shot in Melbourne
The Spaniard felt that at this point in time, it is the Serbian ace who is in the driver’s seat, displaying his sheer dominance. Nole won three of the four Grand Slam titles of the 2021 season. After him, it is former champion and friend Rafa who has a good shot at winning the title after a while, according to Ferrer.
Speaking on this subject, Ferrer stated, “It’s going to be close next year. He’s (Djokovic) one of the best players on the planet. The problem for Roger Federer is that he won’t play Australia and there are serious doubts about whether he will play at Wimbledon. At the moment, Djokovic is playing well and he is healthy, but I [also] think Rafael Nadal has a chance to win the Australian Open, for sure.”
Ferrer included Roger Federer in his response, a reference to the ever-lasting GOAT debate amongst the three superstars.

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ACAPULCO, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 27: David Ferrer of Spain receives a tribute after having retired during the match between David Ferrer of Spain and Alexander Zverev of Germany as part of the day 3 of the Telcel Mexican Open 2019 at Mextenis Stadium on February 27, 2019 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
David mentioned how Federer is facing issues with his health after making it clear he won’t be seen in Australia quite some time ago. The Swiss ace even cast his doubts about being fit in time for the Wimbledon Championships.
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Coming to tennis, it will be interesting to see if World No. 1 decides to travel to Australia given the restrictions around the vaccine. We wish all players the best of luck.
Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club
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