Rafael Nadal snubbed for Novak Djokovic despite Spaniard’s Australian Open opportunity | Tennis | Sport

Rafael Nadal has a golden opportunity to win the Australian Open after Novak Djokovic’s COVID-19 controversy meant he had to withdraw from the tournament. However, Mats Wilander claims Djokovic will still win the most Grand Slams when both have retired – despite the pair being tied on 20 each and the Serb not participating in Melbourne.

Djokovic, Nadal and Swiss legend Roger Federer are all tied on 20 titles each, sparking debate about who is the best of all time.

Djokovic was expected to take the lead given his prowess in the Melbourne-based competition, having won the last three Australian Opens.

But he was deported from the country after he had his visa revoked.

Nadal only recently returned from injury but has been in scintillating form and has stormed to the final where he will face Daniil Medvedev on Sunday.

But even if he wins, Wilander claims the Serb will end up overtaking Nadal in overall titles won despite the world No 1 facing the threat of being banned from more tournaments due to his vaccination status.

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“It is amazing, for me it is a surprise.”

Nadal and Medvedev face off at 8:30am UK time on Sunday at the Rod Laver Arena.

And Russian star Medvedev will be looking to win his second Grand Slam after winning the US Open in September.