The French Open heats up, not just with sizzling rallies, but with a surprising revelation! Novak Djokovic, has made a confession that’s got tennis fans buzzing. In a recent interview, Djokovic opened up about his career-defining rivalries, and the name he chose might leave you with a raised eyebrow. While just two months Djokovic admitted Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as his biggest rivals, he recently snubbed Roger from the picture and claimed Nadal as his “Greatest rival ever.’’

Speaking at the post-match conference, after handing a baffling second-round defeat to Roberto Carballés Baena in straight sets at court Philippe Charter, Djokovic opened up about his rivalry with Nadal. He admitted that Nadal’s brilliance has always been fascinating at Roland Garros and that his evolution as a player was worth watching. “I played him so many times. He peaked more than few times against me at Roland Garros Particularly. I have experienced first-hand, his evolution as a player,” the 37-year-old said smiling.

Novak Djokovic, who last clashed with Nadal at 2022 Roland Garros Quarterfinals, has faced some of his tough times at French Open against Rafa. While the 98-time tour-level titlist surpasses Nadal in Head-to-Head wins by 30-29, the ‘King of Clay’ has indeed given him a hard time at clay courts with a 20-8 lead. Talking specifically on the French Open stage, the legendary players have faced each other 10 times with Nadal disappointing Novak eight times. This supremacy of the ‘King of Clay’ was also admitted by Djokovic along with how it has frustrated him and made him a better player at the same time. “I have said it many times he has been the greatest rival that I ever had. Matches against him on clay have frustrated me so much in my career, But they also made me a better player.”

While the top seed Novak Djokovic admitted that whenever he had set his sights on the French Open championship, one name consistently blocked his path to Parisian glory: Rafael Nadal. “It’s the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros,” Djokovic admitted the challenges he faces at the venue. “..Particularly because of Nadal because I always have to win against him in order to get to the title,” he added. As far as the ongoing French Open is concerned, Djokovic can take a sigh of relief as he won’t be facing Rafa due to his early exit from the tournament against the World No. 4 Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic’s statement comes just after two months he admitted missing his rivalry against Federer and Nadal. “I try to find a new rival, but, and I had some great matches with (Carlos)Alcaraz and (Jannik)Sinner lately. But they (Federer and Nadal) still remain the two biggest rivals I have ever had,” the Serbian legend had stated in March this year. As Djokovic charges ahead, he reflects on his most unforgettable clashes with Rafa at Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic reminisces his toughest battles against ‘King of Clay’ in 2013, 2015 and 2021

In the same press conference, the World No. one recalled some of the toughest matches he has played at Roland Garros against Nadal. He recalled his wins at the venue and highlighted how difficult it was for him to bag those wins. He recalled the intense battle against Rafa in 2013 when they played a memorable 4-hour 37-minute match at the Semifinals. “A couple of matches that really stand out that we played here against each other were that five-setter that he won, it was 9-7 in the fifth, semi-finals of 2013,” Djokovic said.

But it took over 10 years for the 24-time Grand Slam winner to win his first match against him, in 2015. Djokovic, in an intense match, managed to defeat Nadal in the quarter-finals. “I played probably the best match I ever played against him on clay here when I won against him in the quarters the year I lost in the final, 2015” Another fierce battle that was witnessed between the pair was in 2021 when they played one of the deepest matches. “When I won here in 2021, we played again, a very long semi-final, deep in the night.”

These encounters were not just remarkable for Djokovic but also gave tennis fans, some of the most exhilarating moments of the game. While the seven-time Nitto ATP Finals titlist will not have to face Rafa in the French Open, the rivalry may continue at the Paris Olympics. It will be yet another milestone to achieve for Djokovic, who will be eyeing to defeat him once again on the clay, provided both players advance.