Nadal carries the flame for the fading golden generation as he bids for a 23rd major title and third at Melbourne Park.
The win earned Djokovic the biggest paycheck ever in tennis – 4,740,300 dollars.
Djokovic remains unvaccinated, but Australia scrapped a rule that required international travellers to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status in July.
The former world number one has refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine due to personal reasons. However, Australia still has strict immigration rules concerning vaccination against the virus.
Under the rules, travellers seeking to enter the U.S. have to be fully vaccinated and provide proof before boarding flights.
The withdrawal has therefore put paid to his hopes of completing a rare calendar year Grand Slam.
World number one Novak Djokovic defeated Stefano Tsisipas 6-0 7-6 (7-5) in the Italian Open to claim his first title of 2022 and his first piece of silverware for six months.
Women’s world number one, Ashleigh Barty, has announced her retirement from professional tennis today.
The 19-year-old U.S. Open champion was an injury doubt for the massive championship after hurting her leg in Mexico just over two weeks ago.
“While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw, I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel,” he said.
