“Biggest Challenge in Our Sport” – Novak Djokovic on Facing Rafael Nadal at French Open 2020 Finals
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via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – October 9, 2020 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his semi final match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
World Number one tennis player Novak Djokovic is through to the finals of French Open 2020 after taking out Stefanos Tsitsipas in five-sets 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1. Novak failed to convert a match in the third set and they pushed the thrilling match to the distance.
Up next, the Serbian ace will take on his arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the finals of Paris Major. King of Clay, Nadal will tackle with ‘the Djokovic challenge’ to lift his 13th Roland Garros on the Parisian Terre-battue.
For all the players on the ATP Tour, facing Rafa on clay has been one of the biggest challenges in their tennis careers. Likewise, Novak highlighted the same point and mentioned Court Philippe-Chatrier is Rafa’s backyard. Beating Rafa on the Parisian dirt is next to impossible.
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via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – October 9, 2020 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his semi final match against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
“Yes, I remained very calm, in appearance, because inside, it was different (smile). Over here, obviously, it is Nadal’s house. He has won all the titles,” Novak Djokovic shared on the court.
“But here, I won against him in 2015 in the quarterfinals, and I hope to play well (in the finals). To face him on clay, especially at Roland Garros, that’s the biggest challenge in our sport. Yes, we’ll see, I am full of joy to be in the finals and I am motivated to win.”
With the victory over Tsitsipas on Friday night, Djokovic advanced to the 27th Grand Slam final. As a result, he will lock horns with Nadal for the 56th in his career.
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via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – October 9, 2020 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning his semi final match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
On the clay courts, ‘Rafole’ have locked horns 24 times. The Spaniard champ has won 17 times against the Serbian maestro. Their most recent meeting came at ATP Cup 2020, wherein Nadal lost to Djokovic. Their most recent Slam meeting was at the Australian Open 2019 finals, where the Serbian won in straight sets.
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On the Parisian clay, Novak is one of the two men in the tennis fraternity to secure a win over Nadal on Court Philippe-Chatrier. He did so in 2015 in what was their last meeting at Roland Garros.
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Despite being the second seed, Rafa remains the heavy favorite to clinch the title at French Open 2020 against a formidable opponent who has looked imperious all season.
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