“We stand as grandfathers so that these kids don’t take titles,” Novak Djokovic showers love on Rafael Nadal hoping for more matches on the Tour
Novak Djokovic gives respect to arch-rival Rafael Nadal on his long and successful career hoping for more showdowns on the Tour between the two.
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic is back on the top of the rankings. While he looks to cement his place at the top, arch-rival Rafael Nadal is sliding down the rankings due to injury problems. Nevertheless, Djokovic has not lost any love for his closest rival on the Tour and fellow Big-3 member.
As the clay season approaches, Nadal will once again be the biggest obstacle for any player. It is something that even Djokovic acknowledges who is determined to match if not better the King of Clay. Speaking in his recent press conference in Belgrade, Djokovic talked about his admiration for the Spaniard and his wish to play him more often.
“Nadal is the player who was the best on that surface and he will always be expected to be the best there. I wasn’t bad either and I will try to do better on clay this season, which was not the case in recent years, say in Monte Carlo. It is a long season on clay, very demanding, and the ultimate goal is always Roland Garros. There are a lot of tournaments until then, I’ll see what I’ll play and we’ll see.
“I want to play the Roland Garros final with Nadal. He is my biggest rival, that is quite clear because we played the most matches. We are close in terms of generation and we played a lot as juniors. He is definitely, along with Federer, the player who influenced me the most and who shaped me into the player I am today,” said Djokovic acknowledging Roger Federer as well.
Novak Djokovic looking to meet Rafael Nadal in person soon
With the 2023 Australian Open title, Rafael Nadal was tied by Novak Djokovic for most singles Majors won by men. The 2023 French Open will be the venue for a big showdown. No player other than Nadal and Djokovic has won the title there since 2016. As for Nadal, Roland Garros is his best shot. Djokovic will be the four-time defending champion at the 2023 Wimbledon making the chances of Nadal slim in the UK.
“At the beginning of my career, I lost more to him and to Federer than I beat them, and they were always in my focus. When I won my first Grand Slam, from 2008 to 2011, there was a period when I couldn’t break through those two, that obstacle I’m grateful for that rivalry, especially with Nadal, and maybe we both don’t have the time and energy to deal with the magnitude and significance of that rivalry for the whole sport.
“We’ll figure that out maybe later and I hope we’ll have a chance to talk in person. I would really like that. I am convinced that there will be more of our matches, maybe already at Roland Garros. He still plays top tennis, when he is healthy and when he is ready he is at the top. He and I stand aside as grandfathers so that these kids don’t take the titles,” added Djokovic separating Nadal and himself from the rest of the Tour.
Nadal and Djokovic are both currently dealing with injuries and are not yet 100% fit. Nadal was forced to withdraw from the events in Doha and Dubai. Djokovic, not 100% fit, is still making the trip to Dubai. Both the greats will look to get the best possible match practice for the Golden Swing. The clay season begins in 6 weeks’ time post the conclusion of the Sunshine Double in the USA.
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Sarthak Shitole
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