Alize Cornet described Novak Djokovic as “a player from another planet” and added that she hopes to see Rafael Nadal healthy and challenging the Serb for his 23rd Grand Slam title. In the Australian Open final, Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to tie Nadal on the list of all-time Grand Slam records, with 22 Majors.
Nadal, who suffered a hip injury during his Australian Open second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald, has returned home and is expected to be ready to play again in March. “Although I was training at the same time as the final with Caroline (García), as a big tennis fan that I am, I followed the final with great interest.
It comes from another planet. I am happy to live this incredible era of tennis with Roger, Novak and Raph. I hope Rafa can fight Novak for the 23rd Grand Slam, that would be amazing,” Cornet said, according to Tennis Actu. Cornet began her season by representing France at the inaugural United Cup, where she defeated Maria Carle in her opening match of the season before losing to Donna Vekic.
After the United Cup, Cornet participated in three tournaments – the Australian Open, Hobart and Lyon – and collected three first-round eliminations. This week, Cornet lost in the first round of Lyon against 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.”
Nole is still very motivated
Five days after Novak Djokovic’s 10th crown at the Australian Open, the way he got this success is still talking.
Tournament director Craig Tiley revealed the Serb played with a three centimeter tear, slightly less than in 2021 when he also triumphed in Melbourne despite an abdominal injury. Corentin Moutet’s new coach, Petar Popovic, gave his opinion on the subject for L’Equipe.
“If it hadn’t been a Grand Slam, Novak wouldn’t have played. But since he is chasing records in the race for the best of all time, he took that risk and did an incredible thing. There are a lot of stakes to become the “GOAT”, you have to make this sacrifice.
Novak knows that Australia is the Major where he plays best. It’s the same for Rafa at Roland, his garden. He won’t do that (put his foot to sleep) at Wimbledon. It’s normal I think. But they’re not the only ones doing this. At least 50% of guys have a problem arriving at a Grand Slam. Many play with ‘painkillers’ (painkillers, editor’s note).”
