Tennis fan did get the opportunity to witness the classic clash between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this year as the Spaniard had to skip most of the season following a hip injury. Nadal has been preparing himself to return to the tour next year. However, he has not yet confirmed the time and place of his comeback. Nadal had spoken about Djokovic being the GOAT and congratulated him on winning the record 24th Grand Slam title. Both players have been arch-rivals since 2006.
As Nadal spoke about Djokovic winning the US Open, the Serb had few words to say. Djokovic said that he learned the never-give-up spirit from Nadal. He also mentioned Nadal’s tenacity and combativeness on and off the court. Djokovic said, “That’s what you feel when you play against him. It’s like you’re entering a bullfight.” Nadal has been keeping the warrior spirit since his initial days on tour.
Shotmaking of the HIGHEST order 🤯
Watch extended highlights of Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal in the Beijing 2015 Final! 🏆
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 22, 2023
Djokovic has been currently having an intense battle against Carlos Alcaraz. After losing the Wimbledon final against Alcaraz, Djokovic has won 12 matches in a row. Like Nadal, the young Spaniard has shown the never spirit on the court. Alcaraz will hope to join forces with Nadal next season to go against Djokovic. The Grand slam records will be more challenging to match if Djokovic continues the same form in 2024.
Novak Djokovic keen to hold lead over Rafael Nadal in upcoming season
The grand slam title race was going close up until last year. This year, Djokovic took three more trophies to take a lead over Nadal. Djokovic will aim for 25th major next year while Spaniard will be looking to clinch his 23rd Grand Slam title. Both players have won the US Open four times, and Nadal has the lead in the French Open. Djokovic has a considerable lead at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
Nadal has beaten Djokovic 29 times out of 59 matches. The pair first played in 2006 at the French Open. Since then, they have played every year except this season. Djokovic has won their last nine matches at hardcourts, all in straight sets. Meanwhile, Nadal defeated Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open last year, which was the last time they played each other.
Nadal will turn 38 next year and will be one of the oldest players on tour. Djokovic is a year younger and still looks to be at his best condition so far. Their 60th meeting can happen next season and might be one of the last few matches they play against each other. Nadal would prefer it happen on clay, while Djokovic hopes it would take place on the hardcourts. Tennis enthusiasts can relish the final stages of the rivalry as Nadal heads closer to retirement.
