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WATCH: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Have a Pep Talk Ahead of ATP Finals 2020

Published 11/13/2020, 12:34 PM EST

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via Reuters

The much anticipated ATP Finals 2020 is right around the corner, and fans are more than excited! The two best players in the world are headlining the event and it can’t get any better than this. As the preparations went underway, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were spotted having a little chat at O2 Arena’s center court! 

Nadal and Djokovic are the top seeds in this year’s ATP Finals. While Djokovic is eying a record-tying sixth title, 33-year-old Nadal is seeking his first year-end championship. The ATP Finals crown is the only coveted title missing from the Spaniard’s illustrious trophy cabinet! 

The players have arrived in London and are ready to compete when the tournament kick starts on November 15. Moreover, the eight participants took to the court and indulged in a bit of practice to get accustomed to the conditions.

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Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were spotted sharing a light moment on the court and ATP’s representatives were quick to record the conversation, but unfortunately, the audio is missing. Hence, it is up to the fans to decipher what these two icons of the sport were discussing! 

As one can see, both athletes made hand gestures while indulging in the conversation, but the lack of sound leaves a huge void! Were they talking about a potential finals clash? 

“Last Year I Started in a Very Negative Way”: Rafael Nadal Assesses His Form at ATP Finals 2020

Can Rafael Nadal win the elusive ATP Finals crown this time around? 

Failing to win the ATP Finals title has been the biggest disappointment in Rafael Nadal’s career. The Spaniard has amassed so many achievements, but he’s never been able to shine in London. He’s been a frequent participant since 2006 but has never managed to secure the year-end title even once. 

Nadal’s inability to win the ATP Finals tournament adds to his woes of struggling at indoor hard courts. Sure, the venues are attractive when viewed on television or in the stands, but Nadal just doesn’t like playing on these surfaces.

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He faces similar struggles with the Rolex Paris Masters, as the tournament also features an indoor hard court. It is almost like a curse, but there’s always room for hope with a player like Nadal. 

Nadal’s been absent at the event on every alternate year since 2012. However, in nine years of trying, the 13x Roland Garros champ has only reached the finals twice. This is certainly a worrying factor going into the 2020 edition. 

via Reuters

Nadal recently suffered a disappointing defeat in the semi-finals of the Rolex Paris Masters. He’d be hoping to overturn his luck when he takes on the in-form Andrey Rublev in his first group stage match at ATP Finals 2020.

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Who is the Favorite to Win ATP Finals 2020?

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya

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Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.
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