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“I Don’t Have Much Time”: Novak Djokovic Anxious Regarding His Recovery Before ‘Rafael Nadal’ Challenge

Published 05/15/2021, 5:02 PM EDT

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via Reuters

What a battle the World Number one Novak Djokovic fought against the crowd’s favorite Lorenzo Sonego in the semifinals of the Italian Open 2021. The two professionals wrestling under the Roman sky left the tennis fans globally flabbergasted.

In less than 10 hours of time, the Serbian maestro was triumphant in claiming two mammoth battles in the Lazio region, Rome.

Earlier on Saturday, like a gladiator in Rome, Novak played an arduous match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, and a few hours later he cleared the Sonego test by beating him 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2.

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Up next, the tennis world awaits to see the ‘Dream Final’, wherein the ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal will be taking on the Serbinator Novak Djokovic.

However, with Novak having a toiling Saturday in the Italian capital, he’s apprehensive regarding his recovery for his big match against the greatest foe Nadal on his preferred surface crushed bricks.

The Serb needs to quickly recuperate from his fatigue to face Nadal in less than 24 hours from now.

via Reuters

That’s what I’m focused on, honestly I don’t have much time and I played a lot of tennis so hopefully I’ll have fresh legs because that’s what I definitely will need and it’s necessary to have a chance against Rafa,” Novak stated in his post-match presser.

“Quality player”: Novak Djokovic on Lorenzo Sonego

An amazing tennis show was put up by the Sonego and Djokovic on a Saturday evening. The spectators in the house and the audience worldwide were completely mesmerized with their piece of the art at Rome Masters semifinals.

Also, with Sonego reaching his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 final on his home turf, Novak was utterly impressed by his grapple on the center court of Foro Italico.   

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“At the end of the day, he was showing why he reached his first Masters semifinals. He’s a quality player, very dynamic – it’s not easy to play against him,” he added.

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On Sunday, the ‘Rafole’ or ‘Djodal’ will lock horns for the 57th time in their illustrious careers.

Also in since the year, 2006, Novak and Rafa have both played each other at least once a year, and disputably they have proven to be the ‘all-time greatest rivalry of tennis.’

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Mahalakshmi Murali

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Mahalakshmi Murali joined EssentiallySports in 2018 as a tennis author and has gone on to pen more than 1800 engaging articles, probing into various aspects of the sport and its illustrious players. With her expertise on the sport, Mahalakshmi has interviewed stalwarts from the sport such as Serena WIlliams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou and Kevin Anderson’s physio, Carlos Costa. Equipped with her vast experience and a keen understanding of the sport, Mahalakshmi now co-heads the tennis department.
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