“He would have been the best,” Holger Rune believes Novak Djokovic would have won more French Open titles if it hadn’t been for Rafael Nadal

Holger Rune will face Italian Flavio Cobolli in the second round of the French Open after beating Dan Evans.

“He would have been the best,” Holger Rune believes Novak Djokovic would have won more French Open titles if it hadn’t been for Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic. Holger Rune, and Rafael Nadal (Image via: Imago)

Rafael Nadal is notably the greatest player when it comes to clay events, especially the French Open. The Spanish star has won the Roland Garros for a record 14 times. But, Danish Holger Rune believes if Nadal hadn’t been there Novak Djokovic would have been the greatest player on clay.

Djokovic has won the French Open thrice in his illustrious career of winning the Grand Slam 24 times. However, he is the only player to have beaten Nadal twice at the Roland Garros. The first time Djokovic won Nadal at the Roland Garros was in the quarterfinals of the 2015 edition of the tournament.

The second time was more interesting than the first, Rafael Nadal had beaten Djokovic at the 2021 Italian Open final and met the Serbian in the semifinals of the French Open. Djokovic earned his Rome revenge in an unlikely surface against the Spaniard.

Nevertheless, the duo met 10 times at the Roland Garros, with Nadal winning eight of their meetings at the French capital. This has led Holger Rune to praise both legends, yet insisting Djokovic would have won more French Open if it hadn’t been Nadal who on several occasions stopped him.

I think if Rafa hadn't been there, Novak would have been the best player on clay. He has won Roland‐Garros three times, which is extraordinary. He made tons of finals against Rafa. I think it takes him a little longer to reach his best level on clay than on other surfaces, but he is a champion and he always finds his best level when he needs to. Honestly, you always have to count on him. I wouldn't be surprised if he finds his level here. When it matters most, he's always there.
Holger Rune said via welovetennis

Meanwhile, Nadal exited from the French Open after losing to Alexander Zverev in the first round, while Djokovic earned his place in the second round after winning his opening match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Holger Rune beats Brit Dan Evans to earn a spot in the second round of the French Open

Holger Rune got the better of British Dan Evans to secure a second-round place at the French Open. The entertaining match filled with powerful serves ended in favor of Rune 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Holger Rune
Holger Rune (via Imago)

Following his semifinal exit at the Munich Open, the 21-year-old has struggled for form in the clay season. He will be hoping for a better result at the French Open after a back-to-back round of 32 exits in Madrid and Rome.

He will face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the second round as he aims to get the better of his last year’s quarterfinal exit in the competition.

In case you missed it: