Schwartzman showed Nadal is beatable on clay: Novak Djokovic


Schwartzman showed Nadal is beatable on clay: Novak Djokovic

rafa and novak scaled

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic, top seed at Italian Open 2020 claimed the title in Rome after defeating Diego Schwartzman in straight sets in the final on Monday. With his victory over Schwartzman in the final, Djokovic won his 36th ATP Title surpassing Nadal’s record of 35 titles.

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Rafael Nadal suffered a shock exit from the Italian Open quarterfinals, after he lost to Schwartzman in a close encounter.

Djokovic speaking in his post-match conference after the final believed that Nadal was the favourite to win the French Open this year. However, he claimed that Nadal’s loss to Schwartzman proved that he is not undefeatable on clay and backed himself to challenge Nadal at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic said in the press conference, “It’s Nadal, even though he lost this week, a lot of people will agree that he’s the No.1 favorite. The record that he has there, the history of his results, you just can’t put anybody in front of him. But, definitely, Diego showed that Nadal is beatable on clay, the conditions that they played on, obviously heavy clay, not much bounce, humid, night session, we are going to have that as well in Paris.”

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Novak Djokovic believes conditions at French Open not ideal for Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic lost to Rafael Nadal in the 2012 and 2013 French Open finals. However, Djokovic believes that this time the conditions are not suitable for the Spaniard. Djokovic said that there would be low bounce during the night sessions and Nadal prefers playing on high bounce. Djokovic also believes the humid conditions will not favour Nadal as Nadal has been known to suffer from cramps in humid conditions during the past.

Novak Djokovic said in the press conference, “Night session, under the lights, as I said, a little bit less bounce. I don’t know. I’m pretty sure that he does not prefer that to a high bounce. I know he likes the high bounce, he likes the hot and warm and fast conditions where he can use his spin a lot.”

Nadal is the clear favourite to win the French Open this year but this is the first time he goes into the French Open not winning a title on clay. Djokovic would be backing his chances to claim his 2nd French Open title this year.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic surpasses Rafael Nadal with 36th ATP 1000 Masters victory

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