Can Novak Djokovic stop Rafael Nadal to equal Roger Federer’s record of 20 grand slams?
Follow Us
The final at the French Open 2020 could not have been bigger. Two of the greatest players of all time, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, will clash for a mind-boggling 56th time in order to bag the top honours at Roland Garros. The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry is arguably one of the greatest tennis has ever witnessed, if not the best. While Djokovic will play his 27th final at a Grand Slam, it will be 28th appearance in a Major final for Nadal.
Started in 2006, the rivalry has surely come a very long way and as a result, many records are in the name of this iconic rivalry. Before we turn our attention towards tomorrow’s epic finale, let’s build up the excitement for the match by looking at some astonishing statistics from the Djokovic-Nadal rivalry.
While Djokovic leads the head-to-head record 29-26, Nadal is 6-1 at Roland Garros
When it comes to the overall head-to-head record, Djokovic slightly leads Nadal 29-26. However, when it comes to the French Open, the sea-saw rivalry turns into a one-sided one as Nadal comprehensively leads Djokovic 6-1 in the French capital. The only loss that the Spaniard faced against Djokovic at Roland Garros came at the 2015 French Open. It was a quarterfinal clash where the Serb astonished everyone by defeating the ‘King of Clay’ Nadal in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.
Apart from this, Nadal leads the head-to-head record 9-6 in Grand Slam matches. Moreover, both the players are tied at 4-4 when it comes to meetings in the finals of the Grand Slams.
Nadal is unbeaten on clay against Djokovic since 2016
Since, winning the quarterfinal 7-5, 7-6 at the ATP Masters 1000 Rome in 2016, Djokovic has never beaten Nadal on clay. They have since played against each other thrice on the same surface, with Nadal emerging champion on all the occasions. It is no secret to the fact that Rafael Nadal is the greatest clay court player in the history of the sport and he will hold this advantage in tomorrow’s final as well.
Personal Milestones
Besides trying to win another head-to-head meet, both Djokovic and Nadal will have in mind to achieve personal milestones as well in Sunday’s clash.
Nadal has never lost the French Open after reaching the final and is on the verge of 100th victory in the French capital with 99 wins. While Nadal will aim for his 13th French Open title and 20th Major to equal with Roger Federer on the list of most number of Grand Slams won in men’s singles category, Djokovic, who is in his 5th final at Roland Garros, will like to lift a Grand Slam trophy for 18th time and close the gap on Nadal and Federer. Moreover, the 33-year old Serb will look to become the only man in the Open Era to win Career Grand Slams twice.
Though all these records are everyone’s dream to capture, both the icons will not be concentrating on them much as they prepare for a fierce battle in tomorrow’s finale. Expect another humdinger of a contest between the two and wish that it turns out to be a memorable encounter that is remembered for ages to come!
Stay Updated!
Kushagra Gupta
(349 Articles Published)