Rafael Nadal calls out “arrogant” Goran Ivanisevic for his French Open comments
Follow Us
Goran Ivanisevic was the only wildcard entry to ever win a Wimbledon men’s singles trophy in history. The former World no. 2, who has been part of Novak Djokovic’s coaching team for over a year, came under flak after his opinion before the 2020 French Open final, claiming that Rafael Nadal had “no chance” of beating Novak.
His words turned out to be ominous in the wrong sense, as Nadal smashed all doubts when he bagelled Djokovic on the way to an emphatic straight-sets title victory.
Now, on a talk show featured on Movistar+ called La Resistencia, he talks about the Croat’s comments and more.
“It was a bit arrogant of him,” agrees Rafael Nadal
On the talk show, Nadal said that he had no idea of the Croat’s comments until after the match had ended. He said, “I swear that I didn’t hear what Ivanisevic said before the final. Someone told me after.”
He agreed with his uncle, Toni Nadal’s view on Goran’s comments, adding that, “It was a bit arrogant of him. But the conditions were better for Novak.”
The World No. 2 also talked about Djokovic’s default at the US Open. He had accidentally struck a lineswoman with the ball, which led to an automatic loss according to the rules. He stated, “I was watching golf at home when Djokovic was DQ from the US Open. People started sending me messages. When I saw the moment, I thought he was out. The rule is clear. It was very unlucky.”
“I am taking more breaks…”
The Spaniard is fast aging and is already 34 years old. With the passage of time, he has been more selective with the tournaments he plays and the training schedule he opts for.
Since his record-equaling 13th Roland Garros title, he hasn’t taken part in any tournament. He will next appear at the Paris Bercy Masters, a tournament he has never won.
He said, “I am taking more breaks (each year) and the schedule that best suits me to be competitive. As for training, it is about doing it with maximum intensity, two hours, or four. At twenty years old, I was at full capacity. Since 2005, due to a foot injury, we had to start to change,” noting the shift in intensity since the 2005 season.
On his future, the 20-time Grand Slam champion says he will begin to enjoy nature more after his retirement, without worrying about injuries any longer. He also talked of his love for Mallorca, his hometown, and hails the sea as his power source.
“In Mallorca, we have incredible places. People stay on the beaches but we have places with beautiful interiors. And, of course, the sea. The sea gives me power when I return to the tournaments,” he explained.
Here’s the video of the interview. Please note that it is in Spanish and doesn’t include closed captions.
Nadal will look to end his season on a high note as he chases two elusive titles – the Paris Masters and the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals.
Also Read: “Rafael Nadal and I have had our differences”: Nick Kyrgios comments on his ongoing feud with Rafa
Stay Updated!
Yash Vinod
(82 Articles Published)