Alize Cornet described Novak Djokovic as “a player from another planet” and added she is hoping to see Rafael Nadal healthy and challenging the Serb for the 23rd Grand Slam title. In the Australian Open final, Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to tie Nadal on the all-time Grand Slam record list with 22 Majors.
Nadal, who was hampered by a hip injury during his Australian Open second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald, returned home and the hope is that he may be ready to play again in March. “Although I was training at the same time as the final with Caroline (Garcia), as a huge tennis fan that I am, I followed the final with great interest.
He comes from another planet. I am happy to live this incredible era of tennis with Roger, Novak and Rafa. I hope Rafa can fight with Novak for the 23rd Grand Slam, it would be incredible,” Cornet said, per Tennis Actu.
Cornet on her slow start to the season
Cornet started her season by representing France at the inaugural United Cup, where she defeated Maria Carle in her first match of the season before losing to Donna Vekic.
After the United Cup, Cornet appeared in three tournaments – the Australian Open, Hobart and Lyon – and picked up three first-round exits. This week, Cornet suffered a Lyon first-round defeat to Camila Osorio. “I am having a hard time recovering from the health problems I had in January, and when I am not at 100% it is very difficult.
I came to Lyon because my family is close to me. Otherwise, I would not have come to this tournament. Still, I had fun. Of course, I have lost three first rounds in a row, but I am not going to put myself at the bottom of the hole.
I want to play fewer tournaments. I’m tired and I don’t have time to entertain myself. I am going to lighten my calendar and adapt with less quantity and more quality. I’m a little tired of the circuit. I need to find the motivation, the physical freshness and the pieces of the puzzle will return to the place,” Cornet explained.
