'No disrespect to Djokovic...' – Rafael Nadal right back in GOAT race, claim Tim Henman and Mats Wilander

Rafael Nadal has hauled himself back into the greatest of all time (GOAT) conversation alongside Novak Djokovic with his extraordinary Australian Open triumph, according to Eurosport experts Tim Henman and Mats Wilander. The pre-tournament chatter was fixed on Djokovic as his bid for Grand Slam No. 21 was held up by a battle to compete unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, Nadal touched down in Melbourne with the same objective, but with seemingly little hope after enduring an injury nightmare. Ad/> Djokovic was eventually deported on the eve of the tournament after a protracted case saw his initial visa cancelled despite a medical exemption, reapproved by a judge, then revoked again by the Australian immigration minister. Australian Open'Amazing achievement' — Djokovic praises Nadal after securing 21st majorAN HOUR AGO In his absence, Nadal secured arguably the greatest title of his career as he roared back from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s marathon and epic final.

Henman believes it was Nadal’s unwavering belief that carried him to a men’s record 21st major title. Federer posts heartfelt message to 'inspiration' Nadal Medvedev on what he said to Nadal: Were you even tired? “No disrespect to Djokovic, this is about Nadal. Nadal hasn’t been in this conversation for so long because he’s been out injured,” Henman said in The Cube.

“We really didn’t understand or know how his foot is going to be and then he had Covid, he had more complications. “So then to finally arrive in Melbourne having not played any tennis, he plays the first week of the year and you’re thinking, ‘OK, he’s getting some matches under his belt’ – but they were only best-of-three sets. “He’s just built this momentum and for me the key word has