“It is Probably Hard to Repeat That” – Novak Djokovic Recalls Crazy Match With Rafael Nadal

It is quite rare that the whole world stops to watch a tennis match. The 2012 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was one such match that caught the eyes of millions around the globe.

The match between the two goliaths of the sport lasted for flabbergasting 5 hours and 53 minutes. Both the players traded brutal blows in the longest Grand Slam final of all time, which ended with Djokovic lying on the court and Nadal struggling to gather himself.

“It was crazy” – Novak Djokovic

Djokovic also recalled his victory at 2012 Australian Open and graded his encounter with Nadal as the most physically draining match. The Serbian explained that he cannot repeat that match.

“The finals of the Australian Open in 2012 against Rafa. We played for 5 hours and 53 minutes. It is probably hard to repeat that ever in my career,” Djokovic told Pospisil on the Tennis United podcast by ATP and WTA.

“For me, 5 minutes and 53 seconds is enough against either of you, not 5 hours,” said Pospisil laughingly.

Djokovic also recalled that the two were so tired that they required the chairs in the presentation.

“It was crazy. You understand it’s finals of slam, it’s the fifth set and you know the end is around the corner so I don’t want to stop now. So you keep pushing yourself mentally. If you lose that sense of what’s happening in the body and then it is something that carries you all the way through. It’s quite amazing,” Djokovic added.

Read More: Novak Djokovic Opens up About His Greatest Weakness

Djokovic has won a staggering 10 out of the last 13 matches he has played against Nadal. Moreover, he has recorded nine consecutive wins on the hard courts against the Spaniard. Nadal last defeated Djokovic, outside of clay, at the 2013 US Open. We hope that the coronavirus subsides soon and we can witness more such jaw-dropping matches between Djokovic and Nadal.