Novak Djokovic Expects Tough Challenge From Rafael Nadal for French Open Title

World No.1 Novak Djokovic needed five sets to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas and to advance to the French Open 2020 finals. The Serbian reached his fifth French Open final and will play arch-rival Rafael Nadal. With different conditions and the rivalry between Djokovic and Nadal, the final is expected to be an exhilarating contest.

Djokovic knows that the conditions at French Open 2020 aren’t Rafa’s favorite; however, Rafa is still the toughest opponent one can face on clay. Famously, Nadal holds a 99-2 record at the French Open, and Djokovic is one of the two players to beat Rafa on the red dirt of Paris.

Novak did struggle with a niggle in his shoulder during the semifinal. Djokovic blew a 2-0 lead against Tsitsipas and was stretched till the 5th set. But, Djokovic has assured that he is feeling fine and that he will be ready for the final.

“This is the (Grand Slam) that I won the least, so of course I am extremely motivated to try to get my hands on another one. I’m not feeling exhausted physically so much after tonight’s match. It was a great battle. But I feel fine. I think a day and a half will be plenty of time for me to recover. I’m looking forward to a great battle with Rafa.” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in straight sets in their last meeting at the French Open

Speaking on his Grand Slam finals, Djokovic highly rates his first Wimbledon final in 2011 against Rafael Nadal. He also called the 2016 French Open triumph against Andy Murray to be one of his important Grand Slam victories.

“In terms of importance, I mean, if I have to compare, even though I don’t like, probably the first Wimbledon final that I actually played against him (in 2011). Wimbledon was always the one that I wanted to win as a kid and dreamed of winning. That’s probably the one that stands out. The French Open 2016 against Andy Murray here. Every French Open final that I played was the match of my life before I actually won it,” Djokovic said in his press conference.

A lot is at stake in the final for Djokovic. He can win his 18th Grand Slam and become the first player to do a double career Grand Slam. Moreover, if he wins, he will further consolidate his position at the top of the ATP rankings.

Read More: “Biggest Challenge in Our Sport” – Novak Djokovic on Facing Rafael Nadal at French Open 2020 Finals