Novak Djokovic is the "best" in the world & Rafael Nadal is a bit "worn out," says former Italian player Nicola Pietrangeli

Novak Djokovic is the "best" tennis player in the world at the moment, believes Nicola Pietrangeli. The Italian great has put the Serb ahead of the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and others.

Pietrangeli spoke to reporters in Rome during a recent award presentation ceremony, where he picked Djokovic as the best. Nadal, on the other hand, is a bit "worn out" now, according to the two-time French Open champion.

"[The best in the world], even if everyone doesn't like him, is Novak Djokovic. Nadal seems a bit worn out to me," Pietrangeli said.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have had contrasting fortunes since Wimbledon last year, where both reached the semifinals at the same time. While Nadal ended up withdrawing from the semifinal with an injury, the Serb went on to win the title, beating Nick Kyrgios in the final.

Djokovic then proceeded to reach the final of the Paris Masters and win the title at the ATP Finals -- two tournaments where Nadal did not fare well.

At the Australian Open this year, Nadal, the defending champion, exited in the second round. His arch-rival, meanwhile, went on to win a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title with a victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

Rafael Nadal set to miss a host of tournaments due to injury

Rafael Nadal at the 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal, who sustained a hip injury during the Australian Open, is currently on the sidelines and is set to miss a host of tournaments while he recovers.

The southpaw has already pulled out of the Dubai Tennis Championships and the Qatar Open, and is at risk of missing out on his trip to Indian Wells as well. While Nadal did not play in Dubai and Doha last year, he did reach the final at Indian Wells, losing to Taylor Fritz.

Many expect the World No. 6 to skip the Miami Open as well and start fresh in the clay swing, instead of risking more injury at a hardcourt tournament ahead of the all-important French Open. Nadal did not play in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona last year due to injury, and will be hoping to get good results at both tournaments this time around.

With Djokovic also at 22 Grand Slam titles now, it will be interesting to see how the duo prepare for Roland Garros. A direct battle between them could decide who takes the provisional lead in the Slam race.