In a recent couple of days, both sporting icons have spoken about the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other and how they have been exchanging text messages over the years.
The World No.1 Novak Djokovic made a winning start to his quest for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title with a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 triumph against Dino Prizmic in first-round on Sunday.
Rublev overcame a significant scare to defeat the Brazilian 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(10-6) and advance to the second round in Melbourne for the eighth time in eight outings.
Virat said that he has a lot of respect for Djokovic, his journey as a player, and his passion for fitness. He expressed hope of meeting the Serbian icon soon.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Australian Open 2024 due to a muscle injury, the Spaniard said in a post on social media on Sunday.