Nadal is happy because Djokovic can go to Australia

"I've said many times, every tournament needs the best players," Nadal replied when asked about Australia's lifting of Djokovic's entry ban. "We shouldn't create more stories around. The mess earlier this year was not good for tennis. Djokovic's return to playing regularly is good news, in the context of the virus under control."

Nadal said tennis has experienced a tumultuous season, when Roger Federer retired, Djokovic was banned from playing in some tournaments and he himself was not able to attend many year-end events. But the 36-year-old thinks it's over and tennis can head to the 2023 season with high expectations.

"I'm happy for the Australian Open, Djokovic and the fans. That's what gets us excited at the start of next year," added Nadal.

Djokovic missed the Australian Open after being deported from Melbourne in January for lack of a vaccine passport. The Serbian tennis player had his visa canceled and banned from entering Australia for three years. Australian media on November 15 reported that the Government of this country will re-issue a visa to Djokovic and lift the ban. The 35-year-old player can therefore participate in the Grand Slam in Melbourne.

"We are very optimistic about Djokovic playing here next year," Craig Tiley, CEO of the Australian Open, said on November 15. The Grand Slam in the country of kangaroos is Djokovic's most successful tournament with a record of nine finals won. If he wins next year, Djokovic will equal Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slams.

Djokovic and Nadal this week competed in the ATP Finals but received opposite results. While Djokovic reached the semi-finals one match early, Nadal was the first to be eliminated in the group stage.