Is it a way to put pressure on his rival or his deep feelings?
Still, Rafael Nadal makes Novak Djokovic the big favorite for the Australian Open which begins on Monday.
“He had very good results at the end of last year and started with victories this season.
The Australian Open is a tournament that has always been successful for him, ”recalled the Spaniard on Saturday, referring to the Serb.
Nadal, victorious in the 2022 edition against Daniil Medvedev in the final, even added that his rival was "without a doubt the favorite" to succeed him.
"Djoko", nine-time winner in Melbourne, indeed comes out of a rather positive preparation, marked in particular by a victory at the Adelaide tournament, despite a small muscular alert in the hamstrings.
For his part, "Rafa" suffered 2 setbacks in the United Cup, a mixed team competition, first against world number 12 Cameron Norrie, for his first match of the year, then against Alex de Minaur .
Read alsoAustralian Open: mild draw for Djokovic, more complicated for Nadal and Garcia
The record holder of Grand Slam titles (22), admitted feeling vulnerable, as his entry into the running at the Australian Open promises to be tough on Monday against the promising Briton Jack Draper.
"Probably one of the most difficult first rounds possible," said Rafael Nadal, 36, who has lost 6 of his last 7 games.
Djoko targets Rafa's record
The Mallorcan had won the Australian major in 2022 after five dantesque sets disputed against Russian Daniil Medvedev.
An edition without Novak Djokovic.
The star, who refused to be vaccinated against Covid, had been expelled from Australia after a legal standoff.
This time, the Serb is present, with the Grand Slam record of his great Spanish rival in the sights (he has 21).
“If he wins, we will congratulate him, he will have achieved something historic, that's all.
My life is not going to change, ”assured Rafael Nadal, who does not see the new generation upsetting the established order right away.
After his failed start to the season, the Spaniard assured that he was improving day by day and training more than ever.
“I feel faster on the legs.
I feel like I'm playing better, with more confidence,” he said.
