ATP: Novak Djokovic wants a French Open final against Rafael Nadal
Serbian Novak Djokovic spoke at a press conference in his home country about his desired final in Roland Garros and about the future of Carlos Alcaraz .
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Feb 25, 2023, 08:17 pm
Hand on heart - very few real tennis fans would have anything against a French Open final in 2023 between industry leader Novak Djokovic and record winner Rafael Nadal. The duel has taken place an unbelievable 59 times in the last 16 years, but due to the advanced (sporting) age of the two all-time greats, not so many will follow at the same time.
Roland Garros duels between "Nole" and the "Stier aus Manacor" have been played ten times since 2006, eight of which went to the 14-time clay court major champion from Spain, three of them again in all-important finals. So it's no wonder that the Serb would like to iron out this embarrassment.
Alcaraz "deserves everything"
At a press conference of the current world number one in Belgrade, the 35-year-old South Slav also wanted this dream constellation in the match for the "Coupe des Quatre Mousquetaires": "My main rival remains Nadal. Although Alcaraz was number one, he is now number two , won a Slam and he's probably the next big thing in our sport, I think the rivalry with Nadal is something you can't put aside in a year and a half."
"Nadal was and probably is the biggest rival I've had in my entire career. I would love to face him in the Roland Garros final," Djokovic continued. In any case, the "Djoker" also has great respect for the achievements of the only 19-year-old from the Murcia region: "It's amazing that he was able to return to the highest level so quickly, that's a characteristic of a mature athlete, one experienced player. [..] He brings new energy to tennis, is a very dynamic player and person. He deserves everything."