Nadal, Djokovic renew rivalry as tennis greats meet in French Open final

One of tennis’ most enduring rivalries would be renewed at the 2020 French Open final when Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic meet.

A Grand Slam title is up for grabs, with records being chased by both the Spanish star and his Serb rival.

Nadal is gunning for a record-equaling 20th major title, to stand side by side with Roger Federer; while Djokovic is hoping to narrow the gap on both players with 18 majors.

34-year-old Nadal, who has lost only two matches in 16 years at Roland Garros, will also be looking to win a record-extending 13th French Open crown.

Read Also: Polish teenager, Iga Swiatek emerges French Open champion

“I know that is a court that I have been playing well on for such a long time, so that helps,” said Nadal ahead of the final.

“But at the same time, he (Djokovic) has an amazing record here too, being in the final rounds almost every single time.

“He is one of the toughest opponents possible. But I am here to keep trying my best.”

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Djokovic is banking on the weather condition in France to be able to subdue the ‘King of Clay’ as the tournament which usually holds in June was pushed to October because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think that could be a better chance for me, obviously the ball not bouncing as high over the shoulder as he likes it usually,” said Djokovic, who won his only French Open title in 2016.

“Regardless of the conditions, he’s still there, he’s Rafa, he’s in the finals and we’re playing on clay.”

The game between both tennis greats will serve off by 2:00p.m Nigeria time.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now