'I know what he will be feeling right now' Andrew Castle backs Djokovic after Nadal win

Former British tennis star Andrew Castle told the BBC this afternoon that Novak Djokovic is still his pick to become the greatest ever tennis player. His rival Rafael Nadal made history as the first male tennis player to win 21 Grand Slams. This pushed Mr Nadal just ahead of Roger Federer and Mr Djokovic who have each won 20 Grand Slams.

Speaking after the Spaniards’ incredible comeback victory in the Australian Open men’s final today., Mr Castle said: “If I had to pick one of those players to win the most, I would still say Djokovic.

“I know what Djokovic is feeling right now.

“He is feeling like he wants to get training again, that he wants to put it all behind him.

“Which is great for the sport of tennis, because we should be talking about tennis and not deportation and PCR tests and everything else people have gone through.”

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Mr Castle continued: “What a finals weekend we have had after the build-up was so informed by negativity, just wonderful with Ash’s victory yesterday and now this.”

Mr Nadal won in style earlier today as he came from two-sets-down in a Grand Slam final for the first time in his career to beat Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5. 

He took victory after a mammoth five hours 24 minutes of play, and after 1am local time. 

US Open champion Mr Medvedev had been going for his second successive major title.

He said afterwards: “Without a doubt, it is one of the most emotional wins of my career.”

The deported Mr Djokovic and injured Mr Federer gave Mr Nadal the chance to move one ahead of his great rivals.

It remains unclear whether Novak Djokovic will be similarly exiled from other Grand Slam tournaments over his vaccination status.

Following Mr Nadal’s win, Mr DJokvic took to social media to congratulate him, posting: Congratulations to Rafael Nadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement.

“Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena.

“Medvedev gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.”

source: express.co.uk