2010 French Open : quarter final2011 French Open : Semi final2012 French Open : Final
This is Novak Djokovic‘s performance at Rolland Garros. He is getting better and better year by year. And now he is going for the biggest prize.But in his way, there is one man standing who owns FO courts like his own courtyard. In last 8 years, 7 times he was the LAST MAN STANDING.He is Rafael Nadal, the king of clay.
Infact, Nadal has had Djokovic’s number throughout their careers, winning 19 of 34 matches. He’s also won three of the last four matches and over all he leads Djokovic 12-3 on clay.
From the first round results and match analysis, one thing looks certain. Joker was damn serious when he said that French Open is the priority of his season, adding that he will be pulling out all stops to win the tournament. And Nadal was as usual humble and soft spoken about his chances at the start of second grand slam of the year.
Same thing happened before the final of Monte Carlo Masters 2013. Novak was ready to go till the eternity to win the title and Rafa was talking like usual.And we all know what had happened.
May be Nadal is on fire at this moment.And he is firing with putting everything on stake. He is 37-2 this season with 6 titles and 8 consecutive finals. Which is his best start of the year coming to french open in his whole career. He has won against everybody except Novak from top 10.
Read carefully!!!No body has beaten Nadal this year except Novak. And a lot of factors are signaling towards the same fate for this French Open.
> Novak is playing really well and his game looks really good.Where as Nadal struggled a lot in his opening round against a player ranked 59 in world.> The playing conditions in Paris is not very suitable for Rafa’s play. As wet clay and Low temp. will lower down the impact of high spin which is a crucial part of Nadal’s game play.> Nadal has not tested on 5 set game in last 7 months and there is a big question in everyone’s mind, “Will Rafa’s knees hold in a physical best of 5 set match against Djokovic??”
I am big fan of Nadal and personally , i want him to win his 8th French Open. But, deep down i have this feeling that Djokovic will cruise through to the semifinals to face Nadal and will upset the king. And mark my word , the winner of that match will likely win the 2013 French Open.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here