What the draw prophesied became a fact: Rafael Nadal (35) and Novak Djokovic (35) meet in the quarterfinals of the French Open.
On the one hand there is the Spanish crowd’s favourite, who has legendary status in Paris thanks to his 13 titles. Opposite him is the world number 1, who is not nearly as popular with French tennis fans. Last example: Already in the first round Djokovic celebrates so frenetically and loudly that being booed and hissed at by the audience.
The tennis world will also read the 59th edition of this poster on Tuesday. Because spectacle is guaranteed in this duel. Nadal and Djokovic have faced each other 58 times. The Serb won 30 duels, and the Mallorcan triumphed 28 times.
Historic Djokovic victory 2021
The tournament on the red ashes in Paris occupies an important place in the history of this giant duel. They met 17 times at Grand Slams, nine times at Roland Garros alone. The record: 7: 2 for Nadal. Apart from Robin Söderling (2009), Djokovic is the only tennis player who could beat Nadal in his living room and the only one who did it twice.
Direct comparison Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Overall balance: 30:28 for Djokovic
Record at Grand Slam tournaments: 10: 7 for Nadal
Balance at the French Open: 7: 2 for Nadal
Record on clay (all tournaments): 19: 8 for Nadal
set ratio: 81:75 for Djokovic
Game Ratio: 752:713 for Djokovic
Time together on the pitch: 8400 minutes (= 140 hours, 5 days and 20 hours)
Overall balance: 30:28 for Djokovic
Record at Grand Slam tournaments: 10: 7 for Nadal
Balance at the French Open: 7: 2 for Nadal
Record on clay (all tournaments): 19: 8 for Nadal
set ratio: 81:75 for Djokovic
Game Ratio: 752:713 for Djokovic
Time together on the pitch: 8400 minutes (= 140 hours, 5 days and 20 hours)
Most recently a year ago in the semifinals. World number 1 won in four sets, completing the double career slam two days later with a five-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas (23, ATP 4). Before him, only Roy Emerson (85) and Rod Laver (83) managed this feat – winning all four Grand Slam tournaments at least twice. Many expected Nadal’s 14th title in 2021, but it became the Serb’s second.
Also in 2015 the “Djoker” prevented the triumph of the record Grand Slam winner. At that time, the man from Belgrade stopped the Nadal Express in the quarter-finals – clearly in three sets 7: 6, 6: 3, 6: 1. However, he later lost the final to Stan Wawrinka.
Does the foot hold up?
The semi-final duel a year ago was her last. On Tuesday, three days before Nadal’s 36th birthday, the two superstars meet for the tenth time at Roland Garros. “I don’t know what to expect against him. I haven’t played any matches like this in the last three months, »said Nadal after his round of 16 victory against Félix Auger-Aliassime (21, ATP 9).
His foot injury always bothers him. In the course of the tournament so far, however, it does not seem to give him any trouble. Did the game against the young Canadian, which lasted 4 hours and 21 minutes, change that?
Last duel between “Rafa” and “Djoker”?
For Nadal it is clear: The quarter-final game against the 35-year-old Serb will be a big challenge. “As in 2015, he is also a favorite this year. Otherwise it was always me or it was balanced. At the moment he’s better than me.” But he will “fight, run and always believe in his chance”. He would like to contest the semifinals on his birthday on Friday.
But is the 59th edition (live in the ticker on Tuesday evening) also the last? The clay court king’s statements at least leave his fans thoughtful: “Two and a half weeks ago I didn’t know what I was capable of. I’ll be honest: every game here could be my last at Roland Garros in my tennis career.”