Novak Djokovic ready to fight Rafael Nadal at any tournament except the French Open ahead of the Spaniard’s potential farewell season

Djokovic is 30-29 up against Nadal in overall head-to-head record.

Novak Djokovic ready to fight Rafael Nadal at any tournament except the French Open ahead of the Spaniard’s potential farewell season

Novak Djokovic (L), Rafael Nadal (R) (Sources: Sky Sports/HT)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has already hinted that he will probably be playing the last season of his career in 2024, following which he will finally retire from the sport. The 22-time Grand Slam winner is currently out injured and is set to make a comeback soon. He injured his hip flexor in the 2023 Australian Open and it kept him away from the court for the entire season.

Ahead of the upcoming season, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has said that he wants to face the Spaniard in 2024, as they will not be facing each other many more times. The Serb said he is ready to face Rafael Nadal at any tournament except the French Open because the Spaniard has always had a sensational record at the clay-court tournament.

He is 112–3 in the tournament, having lost only three matches there, and has won as many as 14 titles at the Roland Garros. Thus, no wonder Novak Djokovic is reluctant to face him at the French Open. 

FS Video
I think many people would like it to be at Roland Garros. Why not? Although if you give me the choice I would say anywhere else. Roland Garros wouldn't be bad, but Nadal is the player who has won there the most times in the history of the tournament.
Djokovic via Marca
YouTube video

The 24-time Grand Slam winner further added,

I think any place will be incredible both for us and for the world of tennis. It would be like a kind of last dance. I don't know how many more times we will have the opportunity to face each other or if we will do so. I hope so because it's what everyone wants and so do I. 

Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal Head-to-head record 

Djokovic and Nadal are two of the most decorated players in the history of tennis. They have had a heated rivalry throughout their careers, and their head-to-head career shows that clearly.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (Source: Olympics)

The two players have played a total of 59 matches against each other. The Serb has a lead of one win having won 30 matches, while Rafael Nadal has won 29 matches. 

Their most recent meet at the 2022 French Open quarterfinal was won by Nadal 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4). Novak Djokovic has a clear 20-6 lead in hard court matches while Rafael Nadal has a 20-8 lead in clay court matches. They have won an equal number of matches against each other on grass courts (2-2). 

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