The ex-coach of Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak
Djokovic, Bogdan Obradovic, believes that the uncle of the former world number
one Rafael Nadal, Toni Nadal, was joking when he claimed that Djokovic getting
injured would help the Spaniard in the Australian Open 2024.
Both players are regarded as two of the greatest in the
history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era.
While Djokovic has dominated men’s tennis for most of
the last five years, Nadal has struggled with fitness concerns.
This is why he missed three out
of four Grand Slams in 2023. Last year, the former world number one announced
that the 2024 season would be his last at the highest level.
Before his potential return, Nadal’s uncle Toni commented that if Djokovic got injured before the Australian
Open, it would help his nephew’s chances.
That comment did not go down well with the fans of the
current world number three, who were furious on the social media platform.
However, the 37-year-old’s former coach, Obradovic, was recently quoted in a report, stating that he believes that comment was made in a rather
humorous manner.
"I don't know if it was taken out of context if he
wanted to be funny and missed everything. I look at Toni as our friend, I don't
believe he meant any harm," he said.
Read also
Nadal did return to the court during the Brisbane International in January but suffered an injury during the competition, which eventually ruled him out of action for the next two months.
He recently returned to the court during the Barcelona Open but failed to meet the expectations.
On the other hand, Djokovic did participate in the Australian Open but eventually lost in the semifinal to the newly crowned world number one, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, with a score of 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3.
The 22-year-old won the title after beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev
in the final in a five-set thriller with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
