‘Made It Many Times in His Career’ – Novak Djokovic ‘Not Surprised’ by Rafael Nadal’s Intense Physical Level at French Open 2022

Rafael Nadal has once again made it to the semifinals of the French Open. Last night, the Spaniard outplayed his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in the much-anticipated quarterfinals. Looking at Nadal’s record coming into Roland Garros, the tennis world predicted a Djokovic win. However, the 13-time champion left no stone unturned to show the world that he still is the ‘King of Clay’.

Following his massive start to the season, the former World No. 1 fell down the ranking after his Indian Wells campaign owing to a rib injury. Not far had he come back from his ribs, he again struggled with his foot. With all odds against him, Nadal’s Roland Garros campaign might have surprised many. However, that isn’t the case with Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic on the physical shape of Rafael Nadal

Struggling with a foot injury, it was only the second time in his career that Nadal entered the French Open without any clay court tour title. However, winning his 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open must have given him further impetus to chase an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam title.

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Yesterday, after his loss to Nadal in the quarterfinals, Djokovic interacted with the media. During his post-match press conference, he gave his thoughts on Nadal’s comeback from injury. He said, “I’m not surprised by Nadal’s physical shape. Not at all. It’s not the first time that he’s able, a few days after he’s injured, barely walking, to be back at playing 100%. He made it many times in his career.”

Nadal’s struggle with his foot has been a story having its root in 2005. In 2005, he was diagnosed with Mueller-Weiss syndrome. Ever since, he has struggled with it on numerous occasions.

Revisiting the much-awaited French Open clash

Playing at their optimum level, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic entered the quarterfinals eyeing a place in the last four. While Nadal was eying his 14th Roland Garros title, Djokovic was looking to defend his 2021 crown.

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The two kicked off the clash with Nadal, breaking Djokovic in the very first game. Going ahead in the set, he again broke the Serbian midway to take the first set with complete ease. However, making a comeback, Djokovic took the second set by breaking the Spaniard thrice.

The third set was a repeat of the first set with Nadal breaking Djokovic twice to take the set. It looked like the match could well end up being another classic five-setter between the two legends when the Serb took a 5-2 lead. However, in typical Nadal fashion, the Spaniard came back roaring on the back of immense support from the Philippe-Chatrier crowd. He won the set in a tiebreaker. The final score read, 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4).

Nadal will next face 3rd seeded Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.