Ace Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has said that every time one steps onto the Roland Garros with Rafael Nadal, the Spaniard is the favourite. He has just three French Open titles, whereas Nadal holds a record 14 titles, which earned him the title of ‘King of Clay’. With no contender in sight to challenge this record shortly, Nadal will probably be considered the best on clay.
Djokovic and Nadal’s rivalry has been considered one of the greatest in the history of tennis. The duo, besides Roger Federer, are considered the best that world tennis has ever produced.
Except for last year, during which Nadal recovered from a foot injury, he and Djokovic have faced each other in at least one professional match since 2006.
Novak Djokovic’s favorite surface while growing up was clay.
Rafa Nadal’s favourite surface while growing up was grass.
Every time you step on that court with him, he is the favourite. Even at the Olympics, he had injury problems, I was in better shape, but still, you know it is the highest mountain to climb. He is the greatest, maybe the only reason why I don’t have more Roland Garros titles,” Djokovic was quoted as saying by Punto de Break.
The Laver Cup, the tournament where Federer retired two years back after teaming up with Nadal in doubles, would have been Nadal’s first event since the Paris Olympics and one of his last ever.
“I’m disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition and to support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment other players can help the team deliver the win,” Nadal said.
The Spaniard did not address his current fitness after a spate of injuries in recent years, or when he might play again.
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