The upcoming French Open will be written down in history books. It will see the tournament’s most successful player, Rafael Nadal, play for the final time in this tournament. The Spaniard has hinted that he will bid adieu to the sport after the ongoing season, after struggling with injuries of late. As his retirement nears, Nadal’s biggest rival, Novak Djokovic, made a heartfelt revelation about the Spaniard.

The World Number 1 is currently in Rome where he’s playing at the Italian Open. During an interview there, he was asked how was it to play Nadal at Roland Garros, especially when it will be his last clay-court Grand Slam tournament appearance. Djokovic said, “Yeah, it’s probably one of the biggest challenges that you can have in the tennis tour, playing Rafa at Roland Garros. We know his records there. I played him probably more than any other player has played him on that court.”

Further, he went on to add, “The court is bigger. There is more space, which affects visually the play a lot and the feeling of the player on the court. He likes to stand behind quite far back, return. You have some times when he’s really in the zone and in the groove, not making many errors. You feel like he’s impenetrable. He’s like a wall. It’s really a paramount challenge to play him in Roland Garros. He’s an incredible athlete… I’m sure that it’s going to be a very emotional tournament for him.”

Despite many writing off Nadal’s chances at the French Open, there was a tennis bigwig who was hopeful about the Spaniard. With Rafa’s French Open record no secret, he could potentially have one last laugh before he retires, feels Alex Corretja.

Rafael Nadal gets the backing of his compatriot

Although Nadal has struggled with injuries this year, he is finally back on the court and preparing for the upcoming tournaments in full swing. Clay brings the best out of him and he will have his eyes on the glory again. During an interview a few months ago, Corretja also believed he could see the best of Nadal at the French Open.

He said, “For me, if Rafa is able to play between 15 and 20 matches from January until Roland Garros. There is no doubt that he is going to be in very good shape to think about returning to success at Roland Garros. At best five sets, he knows he get into his territory. There is no one better in history than him.”

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Nadal has played 9 matches this season and for Corretja’s prediction to come true, the Spanish legend will have to dig deep at the Italian Open. He faces Zizou Bergs of Belgium in the opening round.