The door has swung open for Rafael Nadal, 35, to beat him to the milestone of 21 Majors when the Australian Open starts today.
Roger Federer, the other “Big Three” member is also tied on 20 Slams but is injured and not in Melbourne.
The sixth-ranked Nadal – who won the lead-up Melbourne Summer Set tournament for his first taste of competitive action since last August – was to have met his great rival in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park but that big obstacle has been removed.
However, the Spaniard will not entirely have it his own way here.
Having won the Australian Open just once in 2009 in five final appearances, he will have to deal with a set of hungry and determined younger challengers.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 17, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 17, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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