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

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

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.

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.

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”.

“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.

“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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