‘Novak Djokovic is a perfect tennis player with no weakness,’ feels Rafael Nadal
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
20-time Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are arguably the greatest players ever to play the sport of tennis, across eras. The two icons have not only raised the bar in men’s tennis to unseen heights, but have also made their rivalry the greatest in the game.
The Spaniard and the Serb have locked horns 58 times on the ATP tour, starting from 2005 till date. While initially Nadal had a considerable lead in their head-to-head count, Djokovic has successfully surpassed his long-time rival.
Currently, the top-ranked Serb leads the count 30-28. Moreover, both players have also headlined most marquee events, including the four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals.
Although Nadal is out of action, recovering from a foot injury, the 35-year-old took time out to bestow plenty of praise on his arch-rival. In a chat with Number Web, the King of Clay opined that Djokovic is a perfect tennis player.
“He’s (Novak Djokovic) a perfect tennis player with no weaknesses,” Nadal said. “Whether it’s a clay court, a turf court, or a hard court, he’s capable. And this year, he’s been astoundingly solid. Even on days when things seem to be out of order, the energy of the feeling that I will definitely win makes up.”
Djokovic was a better player in Paris
The 13-time French Open also reflected on how Djokovic beat him in the semifinals of the 2021 Roland Garros championships. Extending his praise for the World No.1 player, he said, Djokovic was better at decision making in important moments.
“I think Novak was more efficient and clever than I was in the game-decision phase that day, and in my eyes he looked physically fresher.”
“I wanted to win the championship for as long as possible, but it was interrupted. I have no regrets about it, I am burning to make the French Open my tournament again next year, ” the Mallorcan declared.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)