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Novak Djokovic will search his seventh Paris Masters title this week, main the draw as the highest seed. Novak held a pre-tournament press convention, discussing varied matters and mentioning his nice rival Rafael Nadal. Djokovic admitted Nadal will not be his pal.
Nonetheless, the Serb expressed his respect towards the Spaniard, saying he would like to have a drink with him sooner or later. Lately, Rafa spoke about Novak’s ambition to chase the file variety of Main titles, labeling it as a ‘not too wholesome’ want.
Djokovic made an aesthetic response, saying nothing unfavorable about Nadal. Novak disagreed along with his nice rival and nonetheless praised him as one of many sport’s icons and somebody who made him a greater participant. Djokovic and Nadal have performed 59 occasions since 2006, with virtually nothing separating them in an exciting H2H.
Novak Djokovic would love to remain in contact with Rafael Nadal sooner or later.
Two nice rivals have met solely thrice within the earlier three seasons, splitting two wins at Roland Garros in 2021 and 2022. Nadal gained their most up-to-date duel in Paris 2022, prevailing 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 in 4 hours and 12 minutes.
They met in Paris for the tenth time, and the Spaniard celebrated his eighth victory, avenging final 12 months’s defeat. The situations had been chilly and sluggish, and Nadal made a notable comeback within the fourth set to keep away from a decider. Rafa made the distinction along with his second serve, retaining it protected and overpowering Novak within the pivotal moments.
Nadal erased eight out of 12 break probabilities and turned 43% of the return factors into seven breaks from 17 alternatives. The Spaniard dictated the tempo with 57 winners and 43 unforced errors, leaving the Serb on a 48-53 ratio.
Rafa had a large benefit within the shortest vary as much as 4 strokes. He bested Novak in probably the most prolonged exchanges to seal the deal in 4 units and protect vitality. Final 12 months’s Roland Garros stays Nadal’s final Main title, scuffling with accidents and enjoying solely 13 matches since August 2022.
Alternatively, Novak secured three Majors this 12 months, changing into probably the most profitable participant of all time and chasing his eighth year-end no. 1 honor. “Rafael Nadal is a really particular participant for me. He’s not my pal, however now we have respect for one another. I hope when our careers are over, we are able to have a drink on the seashore and speak about life,” Novak Djokovic mentioned.
