Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been facing each other for over 16 years, playing their first match at Roland Garros in 2006. These two legends have forged one of the most feared rivalries in tennis history, meeting 59 times on the circuit and achieving one victory each. Other.
Nadal and Djokovic have shared many records preventing each other from achieving many more and leaving Roger Federer even further behind. In his recent interview, Nadal called Djokovic his greatest rival, praising the Serbian and calling him his toughest opponent.
At 36 and 35, Rafa and Novak are still among the best players in the world. They won three Majors in 2022 to extend their legacy and set themselves apart from all their rivals. Novak has won 30 games against Rafa, taking over since late 2013 and never looking back against the Spaniard.
They have only played five meetings in the previous three seasons and Nadal has won four of the last six, all on clay. Novak beat Rafa at Roland Garros last year, and the Spaniard took his revenge last June.
Nadal knocked out Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 in four hours and 12 minutes on the Philippe-Chatrier court to advance to the semifinals. Despite the cold, heavy and slow conditions, Nadal went out of his way to beat Djokovic after one more marathon, a well-known pattern in their rivalry.
Novak rallied in the second set and gave it his all against Rafa in the fourth but missed set points and lost a tie break to take the out door.
Rafael Nadal made Novak Djokovic his greatest opponent.
Rafa made the difference with his second serve, making it safe and dominating Novak in the crucial moments for access to the semifinals.
Nadal saved eight of his 12 break chances and converted 43% of return points in seven breaks out of 17 chances. The Spaniard set the pace with 57 wins and 43 unforced errors, leaving the Serbian up 48-53.
Unlike 12 months earlier, Rafa had a huge lead in shorter rallies, up to four shots. He also dominated Djokovic in longer rallies to seal the deal in four sets and avoid a five-hour showdown.
“My biggest rival is Novak Djokovic. After all, he’s closest to me in the biggest tournaments, with 21 victories. Every time we face each other, it’s part of tennis history.
Novak is undoubtedly the most dangerous rival I’ve ever faced” Rafael Nadal said.
