Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has served a brutal swipe at rival Novak Djokovic whose Australian Open title defence could be over before it even started.
Djokovic may be expelled from the country in just hours, after arriving late Wednesday night in Melbourne without the visa.
Nadal made a candid shot at Djokovic on Thursday as his team prepared to file his case before the Federal Court.
Nadal will also be in Melbourne for preparations to the grand slam. This is just weeks after his positive Covid-19 test.
“The world has suffered enough. Get vaccinated. He could play here in Australia if he so desired,” the number six world ranking said.
“I was vaccinated with COVID. I’ve been vaccinated two times. This will allow you to enjoy the games. This is the only thing that’s certain.
“The remainder of the items, I don’t want to possess or give you an opinion about that which I do not have.”
The only clear fact for me is that you can play at the Australian Open if your vaccines are up to date. And the rest of the world, in my view, has not been following the rules.
Nadal’s grand slam preparations got off to a strong start on Thursday by beating Ricardas Berankis 6-2 7-5 to move into the final eight at the Melbourne Summer Set following a first round bye.
Nadal, Djokovic and Federer are both competing to be the best men’s tennis player at the Australian Open.
Stay tuned for more