Washington: Rafael Nadal trusts Novak Djokovic to win the "Grand Slam"
Rafael Nadalpresented his assessments of the season of his toughest competitor Novak Djokovic in the run-up to the ATP 500 event in Washington.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Aug 02, 2021, 09:02 am
Novak Djokovic's victory against Rafael Nadal at the French Open 2021 was not only one of the (if not the) best matches of the season so far, it was also the match that made the season of the world number one from Serbia so special so far, which this is already now. A few hours after defeating the Iberian, Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas in the final, and a few weeks later the Serb won Wimbledon.
And now - after the disappointing Olympic Games - the Serb does not want to attack for the Golden Slam at the US Open, but for the Grand Slam. A feat that his toughest competitor, Nadal, considers realistic: "He has already won three, and if you win three, you can win four without a doubt," said Nadal. "He'll play on hard court, probably his best surface, so why not? Of course it's a little difficult," said the Spaniard on the sidelines of the ATP 500 event in Washington.
Nadal as a competitor, Thiem rather not
The Serbian in New York City is by no means unrivaled, emphasized Nadal in Washington: "There will be other guys who want to reach the last slam of the season. But of course he is one of the clear favorites." Among the hottest title contenders? Of course, Nadal, who won the title in the USA in 2019, was missing the 35-year-old last year due to the tight schedule after the COVID-19-related interruption of the ATP tour. When Dominic Thiem won, who will travel to the metropolis this year - if at all - without match practice.
Nadal has nothing but respect for the achievements of the industry leader from Belgrade: "What he has achieved this year is something, well, amazing," said the Iberian about Djokovic. "I definitely think he can do it, without a doubt." The Serb will change a little for the last Grand Slam of the year than the years before, for the ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto Djokovic canceled because of his appearance at the Olympic Games.
Nadal on Washington start: "Right decision"
For Nadal himself, the preparation for the US Open this year starts prematurely, as the Mallorcan will start in Washington in 2021: "Since I play in Washington, I can be on the tour a week earlier than usual this part of the season. But Wimbledon I think it's the right decision to miss out. I think it's the right decision, "said the 35-year-old. "I'm very happy to be here. The tournament organization makes it great."
Nadal is already looking forward to the tournament, especially the increased number of spectators in the capital of America are an additional motivation for the 20-time Grand Slam winner: "I'm looking forward to playing in America again, after having more than one Wasn't here in the year, especially when I can play in front of a full audience and in full stadiums. "