Cincinnati Open 2020: Novak Djokovic views on his semifinal opponent & arch-rival Rafael Nadal


Cincinnati Open 2020: Novak Djokovic views on his semifinal opponent & arch-rival Rafael Nadal

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Novak Djokovic

Top seed Novak Djokovic speaks about his semifinals face-off Bautista Agut in the ongoing Cincinnati Open 2020. Besides, he also empathises with Rafael Nadal’s decision to skip the USO.

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Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Top seed, Djokovic has been coruscating at the first big tennis event. He has aced all of his matches played so far at the Cincinnati Open. He has set his 2020 record to a perfect 21-0.

Novak Djokovic is all set to battle off World No. 12 Roberto Bautista Agut for a spot in the finals. The Serb has stated that the Spaniard has the brilliance of being solid and disciplined in the game. Also, he spoke of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the 2020 US Open, when asked at the press conference.

Djokovic is watchful of Agut on court

Roberto Bautista Agut

The World No. 1 is cautious of his difficult opponent, Agut who has squashed the Serb in the last three hard court face-offs.  

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“His style of play, he is consistent and he doesn’t make many errors, he doesn’t drop his level. He is probably the most underrated player in the last five years and deserves more respect than he gets. His win over Medvedev reminded me of our match in Miami,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic empathizes with Nadal’s withdrawal

Rafael Nadal

Speaking of his arch-rival Nadal’s decision to sit out of the North American swing taking place at Flushing Meadows, the World No. 1 said “I can understand why Rafa stayed in Europe. Unpredictable circumstances, he didn’t want to risk his health and that of his team. The new ranking system protects the players who make that kind of decision.”

Further, the Top seed also updated on his neck injury. It had prompted him to play at half powers in his opener against Ricardas Berankis. It had also caused him to withdraw from the men’s doubles event. But, after that, he has been ever confident, with his brilliance outshining in the last match he played. Hence, Djokovic ensured that it is all perfectly fine and that he was serving normally.

Also Read: “He is consistent and doesn’t make many errors,” Novak Djokovic on this NextGen star

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