Rafa Nadal in new twist with Alex de Minaur as tennis world stunned by Novak Djokovic news

Aussie Alex de Minaur could be looking at a very rare opportunity to win twice against Rafa Nadal on clay in the same season with the duo drawn on the same side of the draw at the Madrid Open. Last week, de Minaur became the first Australian to defeat Nadal on clay as he stopped his tennis comeback at the Barcelona Open.

Nadal got through his first professional match since Brisbane International having defeated Flavio Cobolli in straight sets. However, his comeback was quickly halted as the in-form de Minaur put aside his own troubles on clay to demolish Nadal in just the second round.

The 14-time Roland Garros champion was out of practice having hit 42 unforced errors to his 11 winners. He even stopped to applaud an amazing de Minaur forehand at one stage, which showed the difference in where the two athletes are at the moment.

Nadal is warming up for a push at Roland Garros, but he is potentially facing another obstacle in facing de Minaur in the second round of the Madrid Open. The 37-year-old Spaniard faces American Darwin Blanch in the first round. The 16-year-old is ranked World No.1028 and admitted he was in disbelief to have drawn the tennis icon in the first round.

If Nadal gets past the American, he will face de Minaur in the second round with the Aussie through with a bye in the first round. De Minaur will have the rare opportunity to complete the clay double over Nadal in the space of a week. Nadal will be looking for as much time on court ahead of Roland Garros having played so little tennis this year.

Rafa Nadal stuns fans with Laver Cup announcement

While many felt Nadal would be retiring after a final Roland Garros or Olympics campaign, the Spaniard threw a surprise at his fans. Nadal was announced as a member of Team Europe in the Rod Laver Cup.

The tournament will take place in September, which is past the French Open and Olympics. Many tennis fans believe Nadal will call time on his illustrious career on his favourite clay surface. Although his commitment to the tournament suggests he wants to take part in as much of the tour as possible in 2024. Others have also speculated Nadal could use the tournament as a farewell.

Roger Federer famously called time on his career at the Laver Cup, which saw him play doubles with Nadal for the very last time. Nadal could use the tournament for a farewell to the fans, but it appears Nadal isn't ready to retire just yet. Whiled Nadal has hinted he doesn't know how long his body will allow him to play tennis, he has stopped short multiple times when asked if this is his last year playing tennis.

Novak Djokovic withdraws from Madrid amid awards

While Nadal appears ready to play at the Madrid Open, Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament as he looks to rest his body ahead of his Roland Garros title defence. The World No.1 was on hand to claim his record-equalling fifth Laureus Sportsman of the Year award on Monday.

Nadal attended the ceremony in Madrid, with his foundation winning an award for its charity work, while de Minaur and partner Katie Boulter were also in attendance. And while Djokovic was rewarded for his sensational 2023 season, the World No.1 won't be playing in Madrid.

Djkovic played in Monte Carlo earlier this month and made the semi-final where he lost to Casper Ruud. In an unusually lowkey season, Djokovic has not won a title in four tourmanents. And it appears he wants to give his body extra rest ahead of Roland Garros. The Serbian is most likely going to play the Italian Open as his warm-up, before preparing for his title defence and the chance to extend his record grand slam tally to 25.

Djokovic has won the Madrid Open three times, but has only played in the Spanish capital once since his triumph in 2019. The 36-year-old will still fancy his chances in Paris even if he has enjoyed a below-par season-to-date for his own standards.