20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal saw his 2017-2020 Roland-Garros reign end this year. He lost to his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2021 semifinal 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(4), 2-6, and the Serb had to invest his entire strength to push the Spaniard out of the tournament.
Moreover, this was only the third time that Nadal lost on the Parisian clay in 16 years, and the second time against Djokovic. Keeping this in mind, the 35-year-old found a hilarious way to amuse himself and fans.
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Rafael Nadal jokes about his French Open 2021 SF loss to Novak Djokovic
Recently, the Spaniard’s tennis academy, the Rafa Nadal Academy by Moviestar, celebrated Graduation Day. On this occasion, Nadal came forward to deliver a speech.
As he adjusted the mic, a couple of papers that probably had his speech on them flew and fell to the ground. In response, Nadal remarked, “Not a good start.”
While the Spaniard could not come back after a 5-0 lead in the first set against Djokovic, he had a perfect comeback for this moment. “It was like my last match in Roland-Garros,” Nadal laughed.
Rafael Nadal jokes about his @rolandgarros loss to @DjokerNole 😂😂
We knew he's humble in defeat but he definitely know when to throwa punch😂🤜🏼#RafaelNadal#Djokovic pic.twitter.com/Hc2qbr4AH6
— fedaltennis⁴² (@TennisFedal) June 16, 2021
Even though he lost, his domination at the French Open is still unmatchable. But now, the 19-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has a chance to equal Federer and Nadal’s career haul.
Additionally, the record 13-time Roland-Garros champion also raised doubts regarding his Wimbledon Championships 2021 participation. At present, he is rejuvenating with family and closed ones after the tiring clay season.
Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, And Other Tennis Stars’ Travel
What’s next for Nadal after the loss at Roland-Garros?
Unquestionably, Nadal will try his best to mark his come back at Wimbledon, and his latest loss will push him all the more to find success on grass.
Although experts suggest that the Spaniard has difficulty outside of clay, he has won Wimbledon twice and ended as the runner-up three times. Thus, it would not be a surprise if he makes up for his Paris loss in London.
On the other side, Djokovic is building up for the ultimate tennis achievement, a Calendar Grand Slam while also defending his 2019 Wimbledon title.
Nadal still has a lot left to do on the 2021 tennis calendar. But first, he will want to break the Serb’s growing supremacy.
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Even fans hope to see Nadal in all-white on the grass-court again. Do you think the Spaniard can turn things around at Wimbledon this year?
Also Read: Tennis Legend Rod Laver Leaves Out Rafael Nadal From GOAT Debate, Says Djokovic Is Up With Federer