Rafael Nadal will face the Australian Open at the invitation tournament “Kooyong Classic” for the last time. January). In addition to the 31-year-old Spaniard, Novak Djokovic will also be present at the four-day exhibition.
Rafael Nadal missed the preparation tournament in Brisbane due to injury, but is back in shape for the Australian Open,”Rafa needs match practice. And we are happy to be able to make this possible for him,”Kooyong Tournament Director Peter Johnston told the Australian media on Sunday.
Nadal’s and Djokovic’s short-term acceptance of the tournament schedule was a bit confusing,”but that’s what Kooyong is all about. We help the games to be ready for the Open,”Johnston continues.
The first appearance of the 16-time Grand Slam winner is scheduled for Tuesday. It will then become clear whether the malade right knee remains stable even under competitive conditions.
The question marks behind Novak Djokovic’s state of health also seem to be diminishing. There is no sign of elbow problems, at least not on the video showing the “Djoker” during training in Melbourne. He feels “ready”. Not later than after the invitation tournament “Tie Break Tens” (10. January) Djokovic wants to decide whether he will compete in the Australian Open.