Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal: The Rivalry | ATP Tour

Rivalries

Djokovic v Nadal: The Full Rivalry

July 28, 2024

After greater than two years with out going through off, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will meet for the record-extending sixtieth time of their Lexus ATP Head2Head collection on Monday within the second spherical of the Paris Olympics.

The match will likely be their second showdown on the Olympics, having clashed within the Beijing semi-finals (Nadal gained in three units). This will likely be their first encounter for the reason that Roland Garros quarter-finals in 2022, when Nadal’s four-set victory trimmed Djokovic’s lead of their legendary rivalry to 30-29.

“In fact we now have a variety of historical past collectively,” the Spaniard stated after their newest battle. “Plenty of essential moments enjoying in opposition to one another. That is the reality. [It] at all times is a particular match, enjoying in opposition to Novak.”

ATPTour.com breaks down a historical past of the duo’s 59 profession matches:

2022 Roland Garros QF, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4)Assembly within the quarter-finals for simply the sixth time, Nadal and Djokovic lit up the night time session on Courtroom Philippe Chatrier. The pair has by no means met earlier than that stage at any occasion, aside from within the round-robin stage on the Nitto ATP Finals.

Nadal raced out to early leads in every of the primary three units, however Djokovic stole the second by profitable six of the final seven video games to battle again from a double break down at 0-3. The Spaniard was at his imperial greatest outdoors of that stretch, bewildering his opponent with crushing groundstrokes. Whereas the set scores weren’t significantly shut, every rally was fiercely contested, resulting in a number of marathon video games.

Djokovic took the early initiative within the fourth and had two set factors as he tried to serve it out at 5-3, however couldn’t ship the match to a decider — which might have been their fourth deciding set at a Grand Slam. As soon as Nadal levelled the set, he powered by way of the end line, taking a 6/1 lead within the tie-break earlier than closing it out on his fourth match level.

“It has been a really emotional night time for me. I am nonetheless enjoying for nights like as we speak,” Nadal stated. “Tonight [was] only a quarter-final match, not the ultimate… However nonetheless a brilliant traditional match and in a giant state of affairs.” Learn Match Report

2021 Roland Garros SF, clay, Djokovic d. Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2Djokovic admitted earlier than this conflict that going through Nadal at Roland Garros is “not like another match”. The Serbian knew the 13-time champion was 105-2 at this match and that beating him would take an unbelievable effort. And that’s precisely what the World No. 1 delivered in entrance of a raucous crowd inside Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier, creating essentially the most electrical environment for the reason that begin of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Djokovic didn’t panic when he fell behind 0-5 within the first set, which appeared like a mirror picture of when Nadal gained the opener 6-0 in final yr’s Paris last. This time, Djokovic settled down and battled again to win three video games within the first set to dig into the match. He then methodically performed with aggression to the Spaniard’s forehand nook, pinning him there to forestall the lefty from taking the initiative together with his greatest weapon. The World No. 1 let slip a possibility to serve out the third set, and confronted a set level two video games later. However Djokovic hit a daring backhand drop shot to flee that sport, and performed a virtually flawless tie-break to take a two-sets-to-one lead. Nadal confirmed his typical grit to take a 2-0 lead and make a push to pressure a decider, however the 34-year-old gained the ultimate six video games of the match to earn one of many greatest victories of his profession.

“[It was] simply one in every of these nights and matches that you’ll keep in mind ceaselessly,” Djokovic stated.

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2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia Remaining, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 7-5, 1-6, 6-3Sixteen years on from beating Guillermo Coria over 5 units for the 2005 Rome title, Nadal captured his tenth crown within the Everlasting Metropolis with a disciplined efficiency over two hours and 49 minutes. Regardless of a number of momentum shifts within the championship conflict, Nadal has now gained 102 straight clay-court matches after profitable the primary set.

In a intently fought first set, Nadal recovered from 0-2 down and took his probability at 5-5, with a forehand winner down the road. With a dip in Nadal’s depth, noticeably his groundstroke size, Djokovic reeled off 5 straight video games from 1-1 within the second set. Having saved two break factors at 2-2 within the decider, Nadal claimed 12 of the subsequent 13 factors to grab management of the ultimate.

Nadal, who has now gained 62 of his 88 profession titles on clay, struck 26 of his 37 winners off his forehand wing. Learn Match Report

2020 Roland Garros Remaining, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5Djokovic gained the Internazionali BNL d’Italia main into Roland Garros, and when he reached the Paris last, the Serbian had a 37-1 file on the 2020 season. However that mattered little to Nadal, who performed a rare match to defeat the highest seed in two hours and 41 minutes. Nadal had not overwhelmed Djokovic in straight units at a Grand Slam for the reason that 2008 Roland Garros semi-finals, and this was the Spaniard’s most lopsided win at a significant of their rivalry.

Nadal deserves credit score for his relentless offence from the baseline. Not solely did the lefty crush 31 winners within the match, however he solely made 14 unforced errors. The extra you go for it, the extra usually you sometimes miss. However on Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier, the Spaniard barely missed in any respect.

Djokovic was attempting to win his 18th Grand Slam title and his second trophy at Roland Garros. He might have grow to be the primary man within the Open Period to finish two Profession Grand Slams, however 52 unforced errors have been his undoing. Learn Match Report

2020 ATP Cup Remaining, laborious, Djokovic d. Nadal 6-2, 7-6(4)Getting into the inaugural ATP Cup last, Djokovic had gained 17 consecutive units on laborious courts in opposition to his Spanish rival. The Serbian continued that development inside Ken Rosewall Area in entrance of a raucous crowd, getting off to a fast begin and by no means wanting again in opposition to the World No. 1.

This match was essential for not solely Djokovic, but in addition for his nation. When the World No. 2 and Nadal walked on the court docket, Spain held a 1-0 lead within the tie. However Djokovic was up for the duty, profitable all however 4 service factors within the opener to storm by way of the primary set in 39 minutes.

The second set lasted practically twice as lengthy (76 minutes), as Nadal ramped up the aggression to place the stress on Djokovic. The Spaniard serve-and-volleyed 10 instances, profitable eight of these factors, after using the tactic simply as soon as within the first set. However Djokovic accomplished his undefeated singles run on the ATP Cup by remaining calm within the second-set tie-break, profitable his sixth match from six tries in Brisbane and Sydney mixed.

2019 Internazionali BNL d’Italia Remaining, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1Nadal entered his fiftieth Masters 1000 last pursuing his first trophy of any sort in 2019. The Spaniard had not taken that lengthy to win a title since 2004, the yr he claimed his first tour-level victory.

However Nadal wouldn’t be denied in opposition to Djokovic, the highest seed. Though the Serbian saved all 4 break factors he confronted within the second set to pressure a decider, Nadal earned 17 break factors within the match, and that proved the distinction. Nadal gained the next price of his second-serve factors (61%) than Djokovic did his first-serve factors (60%), serving to him earn a title for the sixteenth consecutive yr.

Djokovic spent two hours and 12 minutes of extra time on court docket than Nadal getting into the ultimate, and that confirmed in his gradual begin in addition to within the third set. The Serbian used his drop shot nicely all through the week, however misplaced a lot of these factors in opposition to Nadal with the trophy on the road, and the Spaniard confirmed no hesitation from the baseline, particularly together with his forehand down the road.

2019 Australian Open Remaining, laborious, Djokovic d. Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3In an eagerly anticipated match-up, a repeat of their 2012 last in Melbourne Park, Djokovic began with a bang to win the primary three video games. Nadal, together with his refined service movement and potent forehand, was unable to create a gap and thru two units Djokovic had misplaced simply six of his service factors and dedicated 4 unforced errors. Nadal continued to combat and created his lone break level at 2-3, 30/40 within the third set, however Djokovic was in irresistible kind and put collectively among the best performances of his profession.

In capturing his fifteenth Grand Slam championship crown, the 73rd tour-level trophy of his profession, the Serbian broke a tie with Pete Sampras (14). It was additionally a record-breaking seventh trophy on the Australian Open, transferring previous Roy Emerson and Roger Federer. Learn Match Report

2018 Wimbledon SF, grass, Djokovic d. Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(9), 3-6, 10-8It was clear that Djokovic had climbed nearer to his greatest kind forward of the pair’s semi-final at The Championships, hanging robust in opposition to Nadal in Rome, reaching the Roland Garros quarter-finals and ending runner-up at The Queen’s Membership. However might the Serbian overcome the best problem of his comeback from a proper elbow damage in opposition to World No. 1 Nadal, who was 35-2 on the season?

It turned out that the good rivals have been evenly matched, with Djokovic saving 5 break factors in an exhilarating fifth set earlier than triumphing after 5 hours and quarter-hour. And fittingly, they each hit 73 winners to simply 42 unforced errors within the traditional. 

Djokovic earned his first Grand Slam semi-final win in opposition to Nadal to achieve his fifth Wimbledon last, claiming the signature victory of his comeback to advance to his first main championship match for the reason that 2016 US Open. Nadal had gained 16 consecutive matches within the final 4 at Slams, however he bowed out after making his deepest run on the All England Membership since 2011, when he misplaced within the last.

2018 Internazionali BNL d’Italia SF, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 7-6(4), 63Entering the pair’s first assembly in additional than a yr, Nadal was the clear favorite. The highest seed had gained 50 consecutive units on clay — a file for essentially the most units claimed in a row on a single floor — earlier than falling within the Madrid quarter-finals the earlier week. And it was robust to inform how excessive Djokovic, nonetheless recovering from a proper elbow damage, would be capable of increase his degree. 

However the Serbian performed wonderful tennis, particularly within the first set, comfortably discovering the sharpest of angles from the backhand nook to offer Nadal suits. However towards the tip of the opening set, the Spaniard started to unleash his forehand down the road, subsequently altering court docket positioning and taking management of baseline rallies, resulting in his eventual victory. 

It was an essential win for Nadal, incomes his 356th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 match victory to interrupt a tie with Roger Federer (355) for essentially the most in historical past. The 31-year-old additionally moved inside one triumph of reclaiming the No. 1 spot within the ATP Rankings after dropping to No. 2 together with his loss in Madrid. The triumph not solely confirmed Nadal’s nice kind, but in addition that Djokovic, regardless of competing in simply his first semi-final of 2018, is on his means again to his high degree.

2017 Mutua Madrid Open SF, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 6-2, 6-4During their historic fiftieth FedEx ATP Head2Head assembly, Nadal decidedly turned the tables on Djokovic, completely outplaying the defending champion to achieve his eighth Mutua Madrid Open last. Djokovic had owned their rivalry throughout current years. The Serbian had gained 15 consecutive units and 7 straight matches in opposition to Nadal.

It had been practically three years for the reason that “King of Clay” had prevailed in opposition to Djokovic – the 2014 Roland Garros last. However Nadal dominated from the beginning throughout their fiftieth assembly in Madrid, aggressively smashing forehands and confidently hitting backhand winners. Djokovic would make it a match within the second set however Nadal served out the ultimate after one hour and 38 minutes.

The win additional solidified Nadal’s place in historical past as the best clay-court participant and confirmed the tennis world that the Spaniard is again in high kind. He improved to 14-0 in clay-court matches this season and can play for his third clay-court crown of the yr, after profitable a file tenth title on the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell earlier this season.

2016 Internazionali BNL d’Italia QF, clay, Djokovic d. Nadal 75 76(4)Of their closest contest for nearly two years, Djokovic rallied from a break down in each units to thwart an in-form and enthusiastic Nadal. The Serb prolonged his current mastery over the Spaniard to maneuver into the Rome semi-finals for the tenth consecutive yr. Djokovic has now gained the previous seven matches and 15 units in opposition to Nadal.

The World No. 1 leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry 26-23. He additionally moved inside two matches of profitable his thirtieth ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title.

2016 BNP Paribas Open SF, laborious, Djokovic d. Nadal 76(5) 62Djokovic earned the chance to play for an unprecedented fifth BNP Paribas Open title after edging Nadal within the semi-finals on the Indian Wells Tennis Backyard. Within the pair’s forty eighth assembly – an Open Period file on the ATP World Tour – the Serb claimed his sixth straight win over Nadal and has gained 13 consecutive units in opposition to the Spaniard.

Djokovic would go on to win the BNP Paribas Open last and be a part of Nadal with a file 27 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles. The World No. 1 has gained seven of the previous 10 Masters 1000 occasions. Regardless of the loss, nonetheless, Nadal stated he gained confidence from enjoying Djokovic higher than he has of their current matches.

2016 Qatar ExxonMobil Open F, laborious, Djokovic d. Nadal 61 62Djokovic made positive the lone blip in his jaw-dropping 2015 marketing campaign – a Doha quarter-final defeat to Ivo Karlovic – was a distant reminiscence. The World No. 1 captured his sixth consecutive ATP World Tour title and sixtieth general on the tour-level. He grew to become simply the tenth participant within the Open Period to achieve the 60-title milestone, drawing degree with Andre Agassi in a tie for ninth.

After streaking to a 6-1 first set after simply 31 minutes, Djokovic continued to use stress on Nadal, suffocating the Spaniard from the baseline with a ruthless show of aggression. He transformed his third break level within the opening sport of the second set and secured one other break to all however seal the match at 4-1. He would wrap up the match after 73 minutes, hanging a complete 30 winners to simply 13 unforced errors.

The Serb leads the historic FedEx ATP Head2Head for the primary time at 24-23. He has now claimed 11 consecutive units since Nadal prevailed within the 2014 Roland Garros last.

2015 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals SF, laborious, Djokovic d. Nadal 63 63Djokovic turned in a complete efficiency in reaching a fourth consecutive last at The O2 in London, advancing to an eighty fifth tour-level title match. 

Djokovic was on the assault instantly in opposition to Nadal’s personal serve, pouncing on a brief second serve for a return winner within the very first level and breaking to like for a fast 2-0 lead. The Belgrade native struck 12 winners and only one unforced error by way of the primary three video games. He was in management on the baseline, dictating play on his personal phrases and most significantly refusing to yield an inch on his personal serve.

Patterns endured within the second set, with Djokovic utilizing his agility to face tall on the baseline and he would break for 3-2 after a 25-shot rally. The Serb launched a backhand winner down-the-line on the run to offer him his first match level at 5-3 and he would capitalise with one other backhand winner – this time going cross-court.

Together with his consecutive finals reached streak as much as 15 tournaments, Djokovic grew to become the primary participant to say 30 match wins in opposition to High 10 opponents in a single season.

2015 China Open F, laborious, Djokovic d. Nadal 62 62Djokovic prolonged his run of dominance in Beijing to 29-0 with a gritty victory over Nadal within the last. It was the Serb’s seventh win over Nadal of their final eight conferences, a run that started on the 2013 China Open last. The World No. 1, who had already clinched the year-end high spot within the Emirates ATP Rankings, improved to a surprising 68-5 in 2015 and 23-4 in opposition to High 10 opponents.

Djokovic would get off to a flying begin in his quest for a sixth Beijing title, breaking instantly within the first sport and once more for 5-2 after turning apart a pair of break probabilities within the sixth sport. Nadal would obtain a go to from the coach for an obvious leg ailment halfway by way of the third sport of the second set and Djokovic would pounce, breaking for 2-1. He didn’t look again, surging to the title after 91 minutes. The highest seed struck 23 winners, together with seven aces.

“This has positively been my most profitable match,” stated Djokovic throughout the trophy ceremony. “Beijing has been a fortunate place for me. In 2008, I keep in mind the Olympic Video games when Rafa gained gold and the custom of Asian tennis began right here. I performed an excellent match general and continued enjoying nicely as we speak. Rafa and I’ve performed 45 instances and I hope that continues.”

2015 Roland Garros QF, clay, Djokovic d. Nadal 75 63 61On his seventh try, Djokovic lastly dethroned nine-time champion Nadal on the purple clay of Roland Garros, handing the Spaniard simply his second loss in Paris and sustaining his hopes of finishing the profession Grand Slam.

In one of the vital extremely anticipated Grand Slam quarter-finals in historical past, Djokovic raced to a 4-love lead within the first set earlier than sixth-seeded Nadal battled again to degree the match. Regardless of the momentum shift, the Serb would discover his footing to say the primary set in 67 minutes. 

Djokovic was dominant on his serve within the second set, claiming 16 of 18 straight service factors, earlier than finally taking a two-set lead. He carried that momentum into the ultimate set, limiting Nadal to simply three whole forehand winners and claiming victory in two hours and 26 minutes. 

2015 Monte-Carlo SF, clay, Djokovic d. Nadal 63 63 Djokovic reached his fourth Monte-Carlo by denying Rafael Nadal as soon as once more on the Monte-Carlo Nation Membership. Their forty third assembly with a story of the seventh sport. Djokovic is now using a 16-match profitable streak and is heading in the right direction to seize 4 straight ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles.

Nadal took a 2-0 lead in the beginning of the match, as Djokovic – the shape participant of 2015 – was examined, however regrouped to win three straight video games. In an 11-minute seventh sport, which noticed Djokovic save one break, his better weight of photographs finally over-stretched Nadal. Djokovic broke for a 5-3 lead, however Nadal battled all through the 43-minute opener.

Djokovic enjoying on, or inside, the baseline, withstood a stern examination of his backhand, to create two break level probabilities within the opening sport however he couldn’t make a breakthrough. Nadal led 40/0 it 3-3, however was left to rue two forehand errors and a double fault as Djokovic went on to say the 19-point sport. Djokovic earned his twenty ninth match win of the season with a backhand winner into house.

2014 Roland Garros, clay, Nadal d. Djokovic 36 75 62 64Nadal prevented Djokovic from finishing a profession Grand Slam, as he retained his No. 1 Emirates ATP Rating and have become the primary participant in historical past to win 9 titles at a significant. He additionally drew degree with Pete Sampras at No. 2 within the Grand Slam title-leaders record on 14 main crowns.

The Spaniard had misplaced eight of his previous 9 units in opposition to Djokovic getting into the Roland Garros last, and as soon as once more fell behind to start out the match as Djokovic broke within the eighth sport and survived a pair of break factors. Although the winner of the primary set had gone on to triumph 9 instances of their 11 earlier Grand Slam conferences, a free-swinging Nadal drew degree at a set apiece with a break and rapidly raced out to a 3-0 lead within the third. The Serbian discovered renewed vitality within the fourth set, recovering a break within the seventh sport, however was unable to carry serve to remain within the match as he double-faulted on championship level.

2014 Internazionali BNL d’Italia Remaining, Rome, clay, Djokovic d. Nadal 46 63 63Djokovic pulled nearer to Nadal within the battle for No. 1 within the Emirates ATP Rankings by claiming his third Rome title and nineteenth on the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 degree. It was the Serb’s second conquer his rival in a Rome last, having prevailed within the 2011 title match.

Nadal entered their forty first encounter having spent over 10 hours on court docket by way of the semi-finals, however the seven-time champion confirmed no indicators of fatigue within the early phases. He would surge to a double-break lead within the first set behind a ferocious offensive onslaught, and held on to take the opener in 46 minutes. Of their earlier 10 conferences, the participant who had gained the primary set went on to win the match. Djokovic was able to buck the development, discovering his vary and rhythm within the second and third units and turning the tables with a tenacious attacking show. He would maintain Nadal to profitable beneath 28 per cent of second serve factors gained for the remainder of the match, firing return winners with ease and standing tall on the baseline. Djokovic’s 46 winners (together with 15 from the backhand facet) and 6 aces have been an excessive amount of for Nadal to beat.

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