“Biggest rival that I ever had,” Novak Djokovic lauds Rafael Nadal for inspiring him to compete at the highest level
Novak Djokovic is looking to renew his rivalry with Rafael Nadal at the French Open 2023.
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Two legends: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (Image Credit: Forbes)
Novak Djokovic is on top of the world! Quite literally. He is the current World No.1 and the player to have spent most weeks as World No.1, either in the ATP or WTA rankings. He broke a long-time record for Steffi Graf this week. In total, he has been World No.1 for 378 weeks.
In a recent interview given to Tennis TV, the Serbian elaborated on his feelings after he broke the German great’s record and established his own. However, the highlight of the interview was his long-time rivalry with Rafael Nadal.
Both players are standing on the cusp of history. Both have won 22 Grand Slam titles in their respective careers. However, both are hungry for more Grand Slam titles. Novak Djokovic talked about his experience in the biggest rivalry in tennis right now and what makes it so special.
“Well, best rival that I ever had, biggest rival that I ever had. We played, what, 59 times against each other, I mean, the most that any two players faced each other in the history of the game. We still keep going strong. I’m happy that we both are challenging the young guns for the biggest titles. And I think that probably there is also a big reason why we still compete on a high level is because, you know, he goes because I’m still going, or other way round. I think that’s great about this rivalry. And I feel like many people around the world who follow sports and tennis, they still want us to keep going, until we can’t go anymore!” he said.
Novak Djokovic is going to start his campaign in the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships 2023 by playing against Tomas Machac in the first-round of the competition.
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Novak Djokovic is wishing to make deep run in the French Open 2023
Everybody knows that Roland Garros is the favorite hunting ground for 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. He won the French Open men’s singles title a record 14 times in his career. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic too, has won this major twice in his career and he is expecting to become successful this time around. However, he also knows that the biggest challenge before him in this tournament is Rafael Nadal.
“He’s always, of course, the main favorite on any clay court event, particularly Paris. Let’s see, we both want to peak there, no doubt about it. So, let’s see what happens,” he added further.
Rafael Nadal is expected to return in the French Open 2023 after recovering from a nasty hip injury which resurfaced during the Australian Open. He would be looking to defend his title in Paris and win his career’s 15th French Open title.
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Abhar Indorkar
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