Rafael Nadal replies to Novak Djokovic’s “Beatable on Clay” Comment

Rafael Nadal replies to Novak Djokovic’s “Beatable on Clay” Comment
Rafael Nadal (left), Novak Djokovic (right)

Rafael Nadal, the reigning ‘King Of Clay’ seems cautiously optimistic regarding the possibility of him uplifting the French Open title for the 13th time in 2020. 

After being inactive for 7 months, Nadal has only participated in the Italian Open 2020 to get used to the conditions. However, he faced an astonishing defeat in the quarter-finals from the hands of Diego Schwartzman in straight sets. Responding to the Spaniards defeat, World No.1 Novak Djokovic commented, ”Diego showed that Nadal is beatable on clay.”

Relatable: Schwartzman showed Nadal is beatable on clay: Novak Djokovic

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Rafael Nadal’s response to Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal

Responding to Novak’s comment, Nadal told Reuters, “Yeah, 100% true. I always have been beatable on clay. He beat me a lot of times.”

“But at the same time it is true that I had a lot of success on this surface. Conditions here probably are the most difficult for me ever in Roland Garros for so many different factors. Ball completely different. Ball is super slow, heavy. It’s very cold. Slow conditions. Of course, the preparations have been less than usual. But you know what, I am here to fight and to play with the highest intensity possible, to practise with the right attitude, to give me a chance. That’s the main goal for me,” He further added.

After his loss to Schwartzman, Rafa said, ”We can find excuses, but I didn’t play well enough. Then we have to think internally, Now is not the moment to find excuses. It’s just to accept that I didn’t play well enough. It was not my night. I just want to congratulate Diego and I’m going to keep working,” during the post-match conference.

With the Spaniard’s response, it is clear that he does not deem himself to be invincible. However, Rafa doesn’t seem to shy away from acknowledging his grandiose delivery on clay courts.

With only 40 losses on clay in his entire career, Rafael has also agreed to having immense success on his favourite surface and his will to continue despite obstacles.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal optimistic to triumph French Open 2020 title like ‘so many comebacks’