“It’s tough to find anyone close to his legacy on clay,” Daniil Medvedev compares Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s dominance on clay

The Rome Masters will be the first tournament of the season where Nadal and Djokovic will competing together.

“It’s tough to find anyone close to his legacy on clay,” Daniil Medvedev compares Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s dominance on clay

Daniil Medvedev gives his take on Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal's performance on clay (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal‘s rivalry is renowned in tennis, triggering multiple continuous discussions for the ‘GOAT’ comparisons. Similarly, Russian ace Daniil Medvedev gave his take on Nadal’s dominance on clay surpassing Djokovic’s, considering the Spaniard’s numerous titles and victories on that surface.

Since Nadal announced his participation at the Barcelona Open, he has risen to become the center of attention. With an encouraging run in Barcelona and Madrid, the Spaniard looks to be growing in form on the clay surface he has been dubbed a ‘King’ of.

For the record, the 37-year-old has won 92 ATP singles titles, with 63 of them on the clay court, including 14 French Open titles. He has the most remarkable winning streak of 81 matches on clay, the longest in the Open Era. However, Djokovic also has won 19 clay titles, including three French Open crowns.

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The gap between the duo was extended in Madrid after Nadal earned his 408th clay surface win, beating Pedro Cachin to reach the round of 16. Novak Djokovic sits in second position with 403 wins.

With this background in mind, Daniil Medvedev was questioned about whether Djokovic’s proficiency on clay has been overshadowed by Nadal’s dominance. The World No.4 revealed that Nadal’s achievements on clay give him the edge over Djokovic but maintained it was a tough call.

Well, for sure. When we have Rafa in the same generation winning 14 Roland Garros, I don't know, 10 Rome, I don't even remember the exact number, it's tough to find anyone close to his legacy on clay. But Novak, he's amazing on all the surfaces. Maybe because of Rafa on clay, he has a bit less titles than he could have had. It works the same for Rafa. If there would not be Novak on the hard and grass, maybe Rafa would have more titles there.
Daniil Medvedev said via Rome Press

Djokovic and Nadal are competing at the Rome Masters, the first tournament this season both legends are competing. While Nadal is the undisputable King of Clay, tennis lovers won’t mind the two very best of the sport giving their all on the Italian soil.

Rafael Nadal earns his 70th Rome win in style

Rafael Nadal earned his 70th win in Rome after beating Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 53 minutes. Nadal was hoping to continue in his encouraging form in Madrid and did so regardless of losing his first set, he bounced back to earn a worthy victory.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

The Spanish star will go on to face Polish Hubert Hurkacz in the second set, a very tricky test that Nadal will be hoping the Campo Centrale crowd will help him win. With a 7-3 record this season, the 22-Grand Slam champion is now competing in his third consecutive tournament this season.

Nadal is the record champion in Rome and has never lost two consecutive matches on the clay surface. Rafa won his last and tenth title at the Italian Open in 2021.

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