Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will come face to face for the second time this season. But this time, the pair has a Grand Slam title at stake at the French Open 2021.

Clashing in the Roland-Garros semifinals, Rafa and Djokovic will mark their 58th career meeting. So far, the Serbian has a 29-28 lead over the Spaniard in their head-to-head history. Moreover, Djokovic is the only active player ever to have beaten Nadal on the Parisian clay. So what is it that gives the Serb an edge over Rafa?

Recently, the Spaniard’s ex-coach and uncle Toni Nadal spoke with the Tennis Channel and explained why the Belgradian has been “more difficult” for his nephew.

Watch this story: Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Rivalry at French Open

Toni Nadal on the Novak Djokovic threat to Rafael Nadal

Uncle Toni coached Rafael Nadal from 1990 to 2017, and hence, he understands his game better than anybody. Besides, the Spanish coach has repeatedly stated that Djokovic is his nephew’s biggest challenge

Toni claimed that they never knew what to do with Djokovic. His reach and flexibility around the court made it difficult for Nadal to bring his A-game.

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“Against Djokovic, never we know exactly the way. Because what do we have to do? We have to move. And when we open the court, he can open a little better sometimes. For our game, [it] was more difficult. A little more difficult, Djokovic,” Toni explained.

On the other side, the 18-time Grand Slam champion also agreed that Nadal is his biggest rival. Novak said, “The anticipation for the match against him [Nadal], any match or any surface or any occasion, is always different from any other.”

What Records Are Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal Chasing at French Open 2021?

What is at the stake for Nadal and Djokovic at the French Open 2021?

Without a doubt, both want to settle for nothing less than the title. While Djokovic wants to break the most Grand Slams record, Nadal wants to keep winning.

Therefore, in the French Open 2021 semifinal, the pair would leave everything out on the court. Ultimately, neither of the two would want to be on the losing side at the end of this match.

The tennis community is anxious to see this battle take off. Who do you think will win this time, the Serbian ace or the Spaniard King?

French Open 2021 Semifinals: Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Live Stream, Where and When to Watch