Having beaten rival Novak Djokovic to win the Italian Open in Rome, Rafael Nadal looks to be in formidable form ahead of the French Open. The ‘King of Clay’ put down a marker with his efforts in the Eternal City, and he will take some stopping to be denied a 14th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
Nadal Happy with Paris Prep
With a 10th Italian Open title now to his name, Nadal said he was happy with his efforts in Rome, after what he described as a “positive week”. The 34-year-old, who is 5/6 in the tennis betting to win the 2021 French Open, worked hard to beat world number one Djokovic in the Italian Open final. After an impressive start, Nadal was well beaten in the second set by the
Serbian star, before coming back to eventually win the match 7-5 1-6 6-3.
Considering the match did not go all his way, Nadal was given a good test by Djokovic, who himself will be looking to take the positives from the tournament going into the next Grand Slam of the year. Nadal maintained his composure after breaks in serve and even after he slipped in a crucial moment in the seventh game of the decisive set. It all bodes well for what is set to be an enthralling French Open to come.
Djokovic Talks up Nadal Rivalry
Despite both players entering the later stages of their careers, there is no bigger draw in tennis at present than when Nadal and Djokovic compete. Following his defeat in the final in Rome, Djokovic spoke of the motivation he still gets when he faces Nadal, especially in a tournament final.
The Serbian star claimed that even after all the success the pair have enjoyed through their stellar careers, there is added excitement when the two fierce competitors meet. Both Nadal and Djokovic will be hoping they can make it through the early stages of the French Open unscathed, and potentially meet each other again in another Roland Garros final.
Last year’s French Open final saw these two giants of the sport go head-to-head, with Nadal going on to claim this 13th title in the Parisian Grand Slam, achieving a comprehensive 6-0 6-2 7-5 victory. Djokovic appears to have made significant progress since that defeat, but it will take some performance to beat Nadal, who did not drop a single set during the French Open last year.
Meanwhile, Nadal will be determined to keep ahead of Djokovic in the standings for most Grand Slams titles, with the Spaniard currently alongside Swiss legend Roger Federer on 20. Following his victory in the Australian Open at the start of the year, Djokovic is now just two titles behind the pair on 18.
It’s all primed to be another thrilling tournament in Paris, and there is no question that after his success in Rome, the King of Clay is the man to beat in his kingdom of Roland Garros.
