Rafael Nadal gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic returning to Australia

• Tennis

Rafael Nadal claims he is very happy to hear Novak Djokovic being allowed to return to Australia in 2023. Earlier this year, Djokovic was deported from Australia and handed a three-year ban from entering the country. This week, the Australian government rescinded Djokovic's ban and the Serb is officially allowed to return to the country.

“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 [it] was a big mess what happened last year in Australia, was not good for our sport.

That was past. Roger [Federer] is not playing anymore. I missed a lot of Grand Slams for injuries. Last year Novak was not able to play there. That is [the] past. What is 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," Nadal said of Djokovic being allowed to play the Australian Open," Nadal said.

Nadal sums up his 2022 season

Nadal, 36, had another injury-plagued season in 2022.

However, Nadal was able to win two Grand Slams this year and his season can be considered a success because of that. Going into the 2023 season, Nadal is hoping to return to fully healthy and to be ready for the start of the 2023 season.

“I can’t ask for more. 2022 has had a tough six months, two Grand Slams, and finishing the year in a high spot in the rankings. So, I can’t complain at all. At my age, to be able to achieve and be competitive means a lot for me.

For 2023, just let’s try to have the right preparation, work the proper way and start the season with the right energy, the right attitude, to reach the level that I need to be competitive from the beginning. Let’s try it, I am excited about it," Nadal said.

At the ATP Finals, Nadal went 1-2. After losing in his first two matches to Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime, Nadal defeated Casper Ruud in his final match of the season. Now, Nadal returns home as his 2022 season is officially over.