Rafael Nadal 'in the mood' for the clay-court season after his Australian Open triumph - Alex Corretja

Rafael Nadal will be «the toughest guy to beat» when the clay-court season begins later this year, believes Alex Corretja. Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open — just his second triumph at the event in his career — and one that came after a long lay-off with a foot injury. Ad/> The elite of men's tennis don't hit the dirt in earnest until April but when they do, Corretja believes Nadal will possess all his usual dominance, plus the mental boost of that win in Melbourne.

TennisCriticism of Djokovic 'too much' says Corretja2 HOURS AGO Allied to that, his main rival Novak Djokovic may not appear at the culmination of the clay-court season — the French Open at Roland Garros — given the Serb's continuing decision to remain unvaccinated for Covid-19. Eurosport's Corretja said: «After he won in Australia I think Rafa is in the mood, he's feeling so fresh and so ready to go and enter the clay-court season. »He's someone with a lot of power, a lot of confidence.

Criticism of Djokovic 'too much' says Corretja What next for Novak: Can Djokovic play French Open and Wimbledon without vaccination? 'Terrible for tennis, not good for him' — Shriver on Djokovic vaccine decision «I don't think he's going to look at Novak's position. Because he knows that on clay he's the toughest guy to beat. »Of course if Novak plays or not, there are consequences.

There are consequences in the draw, there are consequences when you enter the tournament. «But I think they [Nadal and Djokovic] are so good that they really need to focus on themselves. And then see what the others decide.