Novak Djokovic had a torrid time at the start of 2022. Landing in Australia to defend his Australian Open title, the Serbian was in for a shock as he was kept in a detention centre, due to his unvaccinated status, and deported back to his home country prior to the start of the competition. This led to him being handed a three-year visa ban. However, things have turned in his favour recently with Djokovic's visa ban being overturned and he will now be eligible to take part in the 2023 Australian Open.&nbsp;

Djokovic's arch-rival Rafael Nadal has now opened up on the Serbian's visa being overturned.&nbsp;Speaking to the media after&nbsp;beating Casper Ruud in ATP Finals 2022, the Spaniard Nadal said,&nbsp;“I always said the same. Tennis is better when the best players are on the court. At the end, we don't have to create many stories. Even if was a big mess what happened last year in Australia, was not good for our sport. That was past. Roger is not playing anymore. I missed a lot of Grand Slams for injuries. Last year Novak was not able to play there. That's past."

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“What's next is Novak will be able to play again. That's the best news possible, especially knowing that now the virus is more under control - seems - around the world. So why not? Happy for him. Happy for the tournament. Happy for the fans. That's it," he added.

Currently, both Nadal and Djokovic have been in action in the ongoing ATP Tour Finals. While the Spaniard has been eliminated with defeats in his opening two group stage matches, Djokovic has proceeded into the semi-finals and will face Taylor Fritz on Saturday (November 19). At present, he has locked horns with fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in his last round-robin game with the Russian already out of the competition.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic had a torrid time at the start of 2022. Landing in Australia to defend his Australian Open title, the Serbian was in for a shock as he was kept in a detention centre, due to his unvaccinated status, and deported back to his home country prior to the start of the competition.

Novak Djokovic had a torrid time at the start of 2022. Landing in Australia to defend his Australian Open title, the Serbian was in for a shock as he was kept in a detention centre, due to his unvaccinated status, and deported back to his home country prior to the start of the competition. This led to him being handed a three-year visa ban. However, things have turned in his favour recently with Djokovic's visa ban being overturned and he will now be eligible to take part in the 2023 Australian Open. Djokovic's arch-rival Rafael Nadal has now opened up on the Serbian's visa being overturned. Speaking to the media after beating Casper Ruud in ATP Finals 2022, the Spaniard Nadal said, “I always said the same. Tennis is better when the best players are on the court. At the end, we don't have to create many stories. Even if was a big mess what happened last year in Australia, was not good for our sport. That was past. Roger is not playing anymore. I missed a lot of Grand Slams for injuries. Last year Novak was not able to play there. That's past." Also Read: Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev, Live streaming: When and where to watch ATP Tour Finals match? “What's next is Novak will be able to play again. That's the best news possible, especially knowing that now the virus is more under control - seems - around the world. So why not? Happy for him. Happy for the tournament. Happy for the fans. That's it," he added. Currently, both Nadal and Djokovic have been in action in the ongoing ATP Tour Finals. While the Spaniard has been eliminated with defeats in his opening two group stage matches, Djokovic has proceeded into the semi-finals and will face Taylor Fritz on Saturday (November 19). At present, he has locked horns with fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in his last round-robin game with the Russian already out of the competition.

Rafael Nadal reacts after Novak Djokovic granted visa to take part in Australian Open 2023

Rafael Nadal further established his credentials as the 'King of Clay' after demolishing Casper Ruud in the men's singles final at French Open 2022 on Sunday (June 05) to bag a record-extending 14th Roland Garros crown and take his Grand Slam tally to 22. No player in the history of men's tennis has won more French Open titles than Nadal, who has never lost in a final at the Roland Garros in his career so far.

Nadal defeated Ruud 6-3,6-3, 6-0 in straight sets to win the French Open 2022 and maintain his perfect record of being unbeaten in a final at the Roland Garros. He also became the oldest man to win the French Open title at the age of 36 further extending his dominance in the competition.

Nadal has now won 2 more Grand Slam titles than his nearest rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 each. While Federer is not playing regularly and is not in action due to injuries, Djokovic is considered the favourite to pip Nadal in the GOAT race and surpasses his tally of 22 Grand Slams.

Asked about Djokovic potentially surpassing his tally of 22 Grand Slams, Nadal said it's not something that will bother him. The Spaniard said his happiness will not change even one percent if Djokovic moves to 23 Grand Slams and he stays on 22.

"Honestly, it is not something that bothers me if Novak wins 23 and I stay with 22. I think my happiness will not change at all. Not even one percent," said Nadal in an interview on CNN after winning his 14th French Open title on Sunday.

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Nadal also explained why it might not be difficult for someone to go past his tally of 22 Grand Slams but it won't be easy for someone to break his record of winning the French Open 14 times. Nadal has dominated at Roland Garros over the years and enjoys a stunning record on red clay.

"Difficult to say that for myself but, I mean, I always have something in mind that I always considered myself a very normal guy. So if I did it, somebody else can do it. But it's obvious that the record of 22 Grand Slams is something much more possible, that somebody increase that record. I'm sure that's going to happen. I mean, 14 Roland Garros is something, I mean, very difficult," said Nadal.

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Nadal has now left behind Federer and Djokovic with 22 Grand Slam titles and has a huge advantage when it comes to the GOAT debate. However, for the French Open champion, the GOAT debate doesn't matter and it's all about enjoying the game till the time he plays.

"I, honestly, don't think much about that and from the bottom of my heart, I really don't care that much, you know. I think it doesn't matter, you know, I think we've achieved my dreams, I've achieved my dream and I enjoy what I am doing," Nadal said when asked about how it feels to be ahead in the GOAT debate with his 22nd Grand Slam crown.

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Rafael Nadal further established his credentials as the 'King of Clay' after demolishing Casper Ruud in the men's singles final at French Open 2022 on Sunday (June 05) to bag a record-extending 14th Roland Garros crown and take his Grand Slam tally to 22.

Rafael Nadal further established his credentials as the 'King of Clay' after demolishing Casper Ruud in the men's singles final at French Open 2022 on Sunday (June 05) to bag a record-extending 14th Roland Garros crown and take his Grand Slam tally to 22. No player in the history of men's tennis has won more French Open titles than Nadal, who has never lost in a final at the Roland Garros in his career so far. Nadal defeated Ruud 6-3,6-3, 6-0 in straight sets to win the French Open 2022 and maintain his perfect record of being unbeaten in a final at the Roland Garros. He also became the oldest man to win the French Open title at the age of 36 further extending his dominance in the competition. Nadal has now won 2 more Grand Slam titles than his nearest rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 each. While Federer is not playing regularly and is not in action due to injuries, Djokovic is considered the favourite to pip Nadal in the GOAT race and surpasses his tally of 22 Grand Slams. Asked about Djokovic potentially surpassing his tally of 22 Grand Slams, Nadal said it's not something that will bother him. The Spaniard said his happiness will not change even one percent if Djokovic moves to 23 Grand Slams and he stays on 22. "Honestly, it is not something that bothers me if Novak wins 23 and I stay with 22. I think my happiness will not change at all. Not even one percent," said Nadal in an interview on CNN after winning his 14th French Open title on Sunday. Also Read: Rafael Nadal thrashes Casper Ruud to win 14th French Open crown, clinches 22nd Grand Slam title Nadal also explained why it might not be difficult for someone to go past his tally of 22 Grand Slams but it won't be easy for someone to break his record of winning the French Open 14 times. Nadal has dominated at Roland Garros over the years and enjoys a stunning record on red clay. "Difficult to say that for myself but, I mean, I always have something in mind that I always considered myself a very normal guy. So if I did it, somebody else can do it. But it's obvious that the record of 22 Grand Slams is something much more possible, that somebody increase that record. I'm sure that's going to happen. I mean, 14 Roland Garros is something, I mean, very difficult," said Nadal. Also Read: 'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final Nadal has now left behind Federer and Djokovic with 22 Grand Slam titles and has a huge advantage when it comes to the GOAT debate. However, for the French Open champion, the GOAT debate doesn't matter and it's all about enjoying the game till the time he plays. "I, honestly, don't think much about that and from the bottom of my heart, I really don't care that much, you know. I think it doesn't matter, you know, I think we've achieved my dreams, I've achieved my dream and I enjoy what I am doing," Nadal said when asked about how it feels to be ahead in the GOAT debate with his 22nd Grand Slam crown. ×

'If Novak wins 23..': Rafael Nadal reacts to Djokovic potentially surpassing his tally of 22 Grand Slams

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".&nbsp;

The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals.&nbsp;

The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool".&nbsp;

Later, Djokovic published and open later to&nbsp;say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued".&nbsp;

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"We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8.&nbsp;

"Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing."&nbsp;

While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday.&nbsp;

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While it sparked takes on preferential&nbsp;treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing.&nbsp;

"In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable."&nbsp;

Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others". The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals. The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool". Later, Djokovic published and open later to say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued". ÁLSO READ: Florida offers to host Olympics if Tokyo backs out "We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8. "Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing." While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday. ALSO READ: Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics While it sparked takes on preferential treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing. "In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said. "But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer. "Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable." Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal takes sly dig at Novak Djokovic over quarantine complaints