Rafael Nadal is taking no pleasure from the absence of great rival Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, even if it means he has a clearer shot at the Grand Slam title record.
Rafael Nadal. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Nadal launched his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 trouncing of American Marcos Giron to reach the second round.
With Djokovic sent packing by Australian authorities and Roger Federer absent, Nadal can snatch the men's all-time Slam record outright by claiming the title at Melbourne Park.
The only former champion left in the draw, the Spanish great started superbly at a sunbathed Rod Laver Arena, breaking world number 66 Giron five times for the match and thrashing 34 winners past the outclassed American.
Level on 20 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic and Federer, the Spanish great said it would be "better for everyone" if the Serb was competing in Melbourne.
"The ideal situation in the world of sport (is) that the best players are on court and playing the most important events, without a doubt," Nadal told reporters after his first round win.
"If Novak Djokovic is playing here, it's better for everybody, no doubt about that."
Djokovic was deported from Australia on Sunday after losing a court case to have the cancellation of his visa overturned.
The world number one has drawn flak for refusing to vaccinate against COVID-19 and for attending public events last month after testing positive.
However, sixth seed Nadal said Djokovic was not the only party at fault for the "terrible situation we faced for the last two weeks" and that others must share the responsibility.
"I think the situation has been a mess," added the Spaniard, who would have met Djokovic in the semi-finals if the draw went with seeding.
"He's not the only one that did probably the things bad in that case.
"So on a personal level, yes, I would like to see him playing here.
"If it's fair or not that he's playing here is another discussion that I don't want to talk anymore about that."
The only former champion left in the draw, Nadal started his tournament superbly at a sunbathed Rod Laver Arena, breaking world number 66 Giron five times in the match and thrashing 34 winners past the outclassed American.
Having played only two matches after the 2021 French Open last season, Nadal has started the new season winning all four completed matches he has played, and that was after coming back from a recent COVID-19 infection.
"One month ago, situation has been different," he said.
"Looks very ugly in some way. Now here we are, no?"
-Reuters