‘Shame to See Him Out’ – Novak Djokovic Reveals Heart-Felt Wish for Rival Rafael Nadal Ahead of His French Open Comeback

Rafael Nadal was due to make a comeback at the clay-court season after being sidelined for more than a year due to injuries. However, just days before the start of the Monte Carlo Masters, he came out with a shocker and announced his withdrawal from this year’s event as well after not being completely fit. Injuries have come thick and fast in Nadal’s career but this break has been a lengthy one, which is making his fans lose their patience. Amid this, Nadal found unexpected support in the form of his rival, Novak Djokovic.

The duo, who have shaped one of the best rivalries in tennis over the years have played many thrilling matches. Despite their strong rivalry, Nadal and Djokovic have a good bond off the court. As a result, Djokovic made a big wish for Rafael Nadal ahead of the French Open.

Novak Djokovic answers the ‘question of questions’

The Serb is in Monaco where he will be featuring in the Monte Carlo Masters. Ahead of the tournament, he appeared in an interview with L’Equipe where he was asked about Nadal’s absence and his comeback chances before the French Open. Replying to this, Djokovic suggested – “That’s the question of questions! Only he can answer that. It’s important for our sport to have Rafa on court, and even more so this year, where he said it might be his last. It’s a shame to see him out since the start of the year.” (Translated using Google Translate)

Further, he went on to add, “I don’t know where he is with his body. But who other than him has the right to do what is good for him? He is a legend of our sport. As a tennis fan, I hope he can return to his favorite clay court of Roland Garros.”

After missing almost the entire hard-court season this year, Nadal had been training hard to return to full fitness. Despite this, he had to withdraw from the tournament in Monaco and later revealed why he did so. While the Spanish star has been out of the court for most of the time now, Alex Corretja, a former tennis star is still ready to bet on him at the upcoming French Open.

Former tennis star backs Nadal to win the French Open post comeback but on one condition

In an interview back last year Alex Corretja came ahead and suggested that he is back Rafael Nadal out to win the French Open this year and end his career on a high. However, he suggested one condition. He suggested that he should be able to play at least 15-20 matches this year.

“For me, if Rafa is able to play between 15 and 20 matches from January until Roland Garros. There is no doubt that he is going to be in very good shape to think about returning to success at Roland Garros. At best five sets, he knows he get into his territory. There is no one better in history than him,” said Corretja earlier in the interview.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘I Won’t Win More Majors Than Djokovic’ – Reality Hits Rafael Nadal Hard as He Breaks Silence on His Comeback

However, so far, that does not seem to be the case as he has only played in 4 matches so far. (3 in the Brisbane Open and 1 in the Netflix Slam). If that remains to be the case, it seems that the statements made by the former star will not work out.

Hopefully, Nadal will get back to full fitness soon and should be able to play the Madrid Open later this month with the hopes of finishing his career on a high with the French Open. Are you optimistic about Nadal’s return to the sport? Let us know your views in the comments below.