How Can Novak Djokovic and Others Stop Rafael Nadal at the French Open 2021?

20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has built yet another flawless campaign at the French Open 2021. Never having lost a set since 2019, the Spaniard has now entered the last eight in Paris for the 15th time.

But while Nadal has the best chances to win, some aspects of the game might keep him from winning. However, the margin of the possibility of him losing at Roland-Garros is still considerably low.

Without further ado, find out where Nadal has fallen short against his opponents. Also, take a look at the stats of his most prominent threat, Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, to understand the situation better.

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Factors that call Rafael Nadal’s French Open title defense into question

First and foremost, the Spaniard has not been as dominating as usual on the big points of a match. So far, Nadal has 55.6% (10-18) of break points saved and 49.1% (26-53) converted.

Comparatively, Djokovic has rescued a substantial 84.2% (16-19) breakpoints and converted 67.6% (25-37) times. Hence, the 35-year-old Mallorcan might want to see through the crucial moments in his next few matches.

Another staggering factor that puts Nadal behind Djokovic is his service game. Admittedly, the Spaniard’s serve has bothered him since the start of the clay season and has had its ups and downs.

Until the QFs, Nadal has delivered 17 aces and equal doubles faults on the Parisian clay. On the other hand, Djokovic has hit 30 aces and 10 double faults.

Moreover, Nadal hasn’t hit as many winners as Djokovic, and he has made more unforced errors than the Serb. Unquestionably, the 35-year-old would want to change that in the latter stages of the tournament.

Above all, Nadal also hasn’t faced a competitive match in the French Open 2021. While all credits go to the genius of his game on clay, his next few opponents might not go down quietly.

Also, all of Rafa’s challengers are more eager than ever to take the Spaniard down at Roland-Garros. Thus, Nadal’s hunger for his 21st Grand Slam title would also be tested to the fullest.

Read More: “More Aggressive Than Nadal and Federer’s” 7-Time Grand Slam Champion Appreciates Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Forehand at French Open 2021

Who will Rafael Nadal play in the Roland-Garros 2021 QFs?

Nadal will meet his last year’s semifinal’s opponent Diego Schwartzman in the quarterfinals. Notably, the Argentine has the experience of defeating the Spaniard on clay before. Hence, he will give his all on the court to stop Nadal at Roland-Garros.

If the Mallorcan passes the Argentine safely, he will meet either Matteo Berrettini or Novak Djokovic in the SFs. The Serb is the only player in the current draw to have beaten Nadal at Roland-Garros before.

Ultimately, the Spaniard could face Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev in the final. Both have enough weapons and the drive to take on the Spaniard challenge on the revered clay court.

Conclusively, things might take a turn for Nadal from this part of the tournament. However, his calibre to cross every hurdle has stunned the world many times in the past.

Will Nadal go on to win his 14th French Open title?

Also Read: “Not Too Happy to Play Rafa”: Diego Schwartzman Ahead of His French Open 2021 Quarterfinal Clash Against Rafael Nadal