INFO FROM NOVAK DJOKOVIC ON HIS ROLE AS “IMPENETRABLE” RAFAEL NADAL AT ROLAND GARROS “HE APPEARS TO BE A WALL”
In addition to providing an update on his play, Novak Djokovic talked about what it’s like to take on the “impenetrable” Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros ahead of the Italian Open. Despite his record 14 French Open victories, Rafael Nadal’s current physical issues are perhaps the final ones that will allow him to play at this legendary tournament. At Roland-Garros, Djokovic has faced the Spaniard ten times and has only triumphed twice.
Djokovic: One of the toughest tasks at Roland-Garros is facing the “impenetrable” Rafael Nadal.
As the second Grand Slam of the year draws near, Novak Djokovic has shared a preview of what it’s like to take on Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros.
Despite having won a record 14 French Opens and never losing a final on the storied court in Paris, Rafael Nadal’s continued physical issues suggest that this will probably be his final match as a player.
As the two players’ legendary rivalry comes to an end, Djokovic, a three-time French Open winner himself, has faced Nadal ten times at Roland Garros, winning only twice. On his preferred surface, the Spaniard is referred to as “impenetrable.”
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Speaking ahead of the Italian Open, Djokovic remarked, “Playing Rafa at Roland Garros is probably one of the biggest challenges you can have on the tennis tour.” “We are aware of his track record there, and I’ve probably played with him more than any other player on that court.”The larger, more spacious court has a significant visual impact on play as well as the player’s mood, as he prefers to stand far back in order to return.
“There are moments when he seems to be in a zone, in the rhythm, and not making many mistakes. You feel as though he’s unbreakable, like a wall. He is a tremendous athlete, so playing him at Roland-Garros is truly a huge task.There, in particular, he adds a tenacity and passion to the game that has seldom been witnessed in its annals.
Because of all the records he has, I’m sure this tournament will be quite emotional for him, just like it was in Madrid and here.
