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2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have one of the best rivalries in tennis, without any doubt. The legends have always given us their best when they faced each other, and it has never failed to enthrall the audience.
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One such exchange occurred during an exhibition match in 2019. During an intense rally, the two players could be seen going for a volley, resulting in one of the most hilarious exchanges to be captured on camera.
A playful banter between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
The video of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic hustling for a volley resurfaced on Twitter. This not only derived a laughter from the audience but also led to one of the most wholesome exchanges between the players. The ‘Djoker’ was trying to attempt a volley right in front of the net, but hilariously missed. Nadal, showing his funny side, made sure to console him for the failed shot.
— out of context rafael nadal (@nadalOOC) June 14, 2022
Djokovic reacted by jokingly chucking a tennis ball at him, amusing the audience.
Recent developments in the epic rivalry
The H2H series of the players is currently in favor of Djokovic, by a ratio of 30:29. However, the Spaniard got the better of the Serb during their most recent matchup in the French Open’s quarter-finals. As a result of the loss, Novak Djokovic has dropped from the topmost rank on the ATP ranking chart.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after winning the match point during their final singles match daring day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
He was replaced by Daniil Medvedev, with Alexander Zverev occupying the second spot. Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, is undergoing a new treatment to cure his foot issue.
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Moreover, Rafael Nadal has broken the tie with Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, by winning two more grand slam titles than his great rivals.
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 5, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal bites the trophy to celebrate after winning the men’s singles final against Norway’s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Benoit Tessier TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Conclusively, he is now the first male player to be with 22 grand slam titles.
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Do you think the other two can equal or surpass Rafael Nadal’s record?
