French Open 2022: Nadal has no clues against Djokovic
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic meet for the 59th time today (from 8:15 p.m. live on ServusTV (in Austria), Eurosport and in our live ticker) at the French Open 2022. Djokovic is the favorite.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: May 31, 2022, 11:16 am
By Jens Huiber from Roland Garros
For example, in 2009 no questions remained unanswered, there were no secrets between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at that time. The two legends played seven matches this season, beginning in February with the Davis Cup on clay (winner: Nadal) and ending at the ATP Finals in November (winner: Djokovic). The frequency has decreased significantly over the years, which is why it only seems a bit strange at first glance that Rafael Nadal said after his success against Félix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday that he lacked the clues for the duel with Novak Djokovic (today from June 20 :15 live on ServusTV (in Austria), Eurosport and in our live ticker).
Because the last of 58 duels so far dates from the French Open 2021, not quite twelve months ago. Otherwise it was often the case that Nadal and Djokovic measured each other in Monte Carlo, Madrid and especially in Rome, this year these comparisons failed. Nadal didn't play at all in the Principality, in Madrid Carlos Alcaraz prevented a meeting between Rafa and Nole, in Rome the Spanish matador, plagued by pain, was dismissed by Denis Shapovalov.
Nadal starts 2022 with three tournament wins
Was the time between the end of the Foro Italico enough for Rafael Nadal to regain his creative power? doubts are warranted. Against Auger-Aliassime, the 13-time Paris champion was on the verge of defeat, struggling with his body at least as much as with his opponent. Without medical support, Nadal cannot be on the court these days, Spanish journalist colleagues assure credibly.
Novak Djokovic on the other hand? Bursting with energy. So far without losing a set, the best player in the world slipped a little here and there in his recent appearance against Diego Schwartzman. However, El Peque was pretty far away from winning a set, and a surprise was never to be thought of.
So is everything clear for Djokovic tonight, also because the conditions with the later kick-off time are clearly accommodating? Not so fast. Just think back to the beginning of the tennis year 2022, when Rafael Nadal first won the preparatory tournament in Melbourne after a long injury break and then also the titles at the Australian Open and in Acapulco. Nobody had expected such a march through there either, probably not even Nadal himself. However, one man did not start in these tournaments, against whom Nadal has bitten his teeth in 30 of 58 duels: Novak Djokovic.
Here the individual tableau in Roland Garros
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