‘Don’t Have to Fool Ourselves’ – 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal Hyped to Win French Open Despite Novak Djokovic Scare and Glaring Injury Issues

Rafael Nadal, the 36-year-old Spanish tennis legend, remains eager to face his archrival, Novak Djokovic, according to his former coach who is also a close family member. Despite the pain of previous injuries, the Spaniard is ready and eagerly waiting to play on his favorite surface. His uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, feels optimistic about his nephew’s involvement in the tournament, despite his injuries.

Toni, in an exclusive interview, shared that Rafael’s pre-French Open preparations are less than ideal. The 14-time Roland Garros champ has been hampered by a foot injury that has led to his withdrawal from multiple tournaments. Fans wish him the quickest recovery and eagerly await his return to the court.

Injury-plagued Rafael Nadal ready to fight against Novak Djokovic

In the interview with Eurosport, Toni Nadal expressed optimism about his nephew’s chances at the French Open. Toni said that Rafael is currently recuperating and should be back in the game in no time. The ‘King of Clay’ has proven to excel even without adequate preparation, especially on clay.

Many ardent followers of the sport would agree that the rivalry between him and the Nole is among the most nerve-wracking and engaging in the sport’s history. Djokovic is one of the few players capable of giving Nadal a run for his money on the clay court.

In the interview, Toni said, “Obviously he is not going to arrive at Roland-Garros with good preparation, we do not have to fool ourselves. I have said many times. Nadal in the second week [of a Grand Slam] is a favorite.”

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The Spaniard’s injuries may give Djokovic an advantage. However, he is not one to be underestimated. He may not be arriving in the best shape, but he is still a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Rafael Nadal once shared his views about the rising star Novak Djokovic

In 2006, Djokovic faced Nadal, the defending champion, in the quarter-finals of the Roland Garros tournament. The Spaniard chronicled his journey to the finals in his book, ‘Rafa: My Story.’ He had written about his tough route to the finals, beating some of the top players at the time. The ‘King of Clay’ acknowledged the Serb’s talent and recognized him as a formidable opponent.

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Nadal and his uncle had been keeping an eye on Djokovic’s progress for some time. They were left awed by the Serb’s skills and his tenacity. Nadal even acknowledged that the Serbian player had big ambitions and a winner’s temperament. Despite Djokovic’s retirement at the beginning of the third set in the 2006 Roland Garros quarter-finals, Nadal knew that Djokovic was a rising star and a formidable competitor.

Who do you think will win their next match-up? Let us know in the comments below.