Rafael Nadal sends congratulatory message to Novak Djokovic after Australian Open victory: ‘Amazing’

ByEurosport

Updated 30/01/2023 at 15:01 GMT

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are part of tennis’ Big Three and are now locked on 22 Grand Slam each as the most ever for a male singles player and Nadal wasted no time in sending a message of congratulations to Djokovic following the latter’s win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the 2023 Australian Open on Sunday in Melbourne. The battle for the most Grand Slams is just getting started.

Australian Open highlights - Djokovic downs Tsitsipas to seal 10th title at Melbourne Park

Rafael Nadal has hailed fellow Big Three member Novak Djokovic saying that the Serbian star’s win at the Australian Open was "well deserved".

Djokovic, 35, beat Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to lift his 10th Australian Open title, the 22nd Grand Slam win of his career.

That draws him level at the top of the men’s standings alongside Nadal, who suffered injury issues during the first Slam of the year.

Australian Open

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But Nadal was quick to praise Djokovic, writing on Instagram “Amazing achievement Nole,

“Many congrats to you and your team,

“Well deserved. Enjoy Nole!”

With Roger Federer retired the battle for the most Grand Slam wins on the men’s tour is now a two-horse race between Djokovic and Nadal.

‘Amazing’ – Nadal sends message to Djokovic after Aus Open victory

Top 5 points from men's final as Djokovic overcomes Tsitsipas to win 10th Australian Open title

The Spaniard will feel confident about his chances at Roland-Garros, where he has won a record 14 titles, but Djokovic’s imperious return to form puts him in the driving seat for both Wimbledon and the US Open.

The Serbian star is also on course to break Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks ever as world No. 1 as he returns to the top of the rankings.

Graf did it for a total of 377 weeks and if Djokovic can stay world number one through the week of February 27 he will break that record.

Exclusive: Djokovic says latest triumph ‘the most important win of my career’

Djokovic has told Eurosport that sealing his 10th Australian Open title with his straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday was "one of the top two or three most important victories I have had ever".

"Everything on the spectrum from the best to the worst I’ve experienced in the last few weeks," Djokovic told Eurosport's Barbara Schett after his latest triumph at Melbourne Park.

"This is one of the top two or three most important victories I have had ever, considering the circumstances, after what happened last year and stuff happening off the court.

"It required a lot, mentally, to keep it together, so I feel a big release now. It is like a balloon with no air. It is over, and I am going to enjoy it.

'One of most important wins in my life' - Djokovic exclusive interview after Aus Open glory

"I work as hard as anyone else. I’ve managed to find a formula for success where I work to keep improving. That is the only way to progress. If you stagnate, you risk going backwards.

"The mentality and willpower are always there. It all came to fruition in the last couple of weeks. There is always a place for this wonderful trophy."

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