'If Novak Djokovic is playing here, it is better for everybody': Rafa Nadal refuses to bask in World No 1's deportation from Australia as Spaniard steamrolls past Marcos Giron in straight sets to advance in Melbourne Rafa Nadal is taking no pleasure from the absence of Novak Djokovic in Australia On Sunday, the World No 1 was deported amid a vaccination saga Down Under Nadal - who is tied on 20 Slams with the Serb - did not bask in his deportation He insisted it 'is better for everybody' if his great rival was at the Australian Open
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Rafa 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.
Level on 20 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic and Roger Federer, the Spanish great said it would be 'better for everyone' if the Serb was competing at Melbourne Park.
'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 on Monday after trouncing American Marcos Giron 6-1 6-4 6-2 to sail into the second round.
'If Novak Djokovic is playing here, it's better for everybody, no doubt about that.'