‘I Know What I Need To Do’ - Novak Djokovic Ready For Potential French Open Clash With Nadal - UBITENNIS

‘I Know What I Need To Do’ – Novak Djokovic Ready For Potential French Open Clash With Nadal

The world No.1 looks ahead to the potential meeting and sheds light on his plans for the Olympics during a press conference in Paris on Monday.

By Adam Addicott
5 Min Read

World No.1 Novak Djokovic says he hopes his recent clash with Rafael Nadal will put him in a stronger position should he have to play the Spaniard again at the French Open.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion has been drawn in the same half as the Spaniard which means they are on the collision course to meet in the semi-finals.They have already played each other eight times in Paris – three times in the final, three times in the semi-finals and twice in the quarter-finals. Nadal has won seven of those meetings with his only loss occurring back in 2015.

This year’s event is an opportunity for Djokovic to get revenge over his nemesis after losing in straight sets to him in the French Open final last year. Which was one of the most one-sided encounters in their 57-match rivalry.

“I know there’s a buildup potentially for that matchup in the semis. (But) there’s a lot of obstacles to overcome for both of us,” Djokovic told reporters on Monday.
“If we get there (to the semi-finals), I know what I need to do. Last year I had a great tournament, but in the finals he (Nadal) was just playing amazing tennis and I couldn’t do much.”

Since their clash in Paris last year, the two titans of tennis have locked horns on the Tour only once. That was also on clay at the Italian Open where Nadal battled to a 7-5, 1-6, 6-3, victory. Despite losing, Djokovic believes there were encouraging signs in that match.

“The level of my tennis will be different. Like in Rome, for example, it was very close until the last shot. It was really quite even, I felt. He got the better of that match. But this finals in Rome gives me good sensation and kind of good feeling prior to a potential matchup here (in Paris).” He said.

Unlike the other two members of the Big Three, Djokovic took the decision to play an event the week before the Grand Slam starts. Winning the Belgrade Open in what was his first Tour title on home soil since 2011 and his 83rd overall.

“Belgrade gave me great preparation. I’m in a good state of mind and body, and striking the ball well” he stated. “Now it’s about really just taking it step by step, being in the present moment, trying to build the form so I can play better and better as the tournament progresses.”

Besides a potential showdown with one of his greatest rivals in France, Djokovic has also outlined his current stance on playing in this year’s Olympic Games. There has been questions over his participation after he said he may reconsider playing it the event is held behind closed doors.

The Games, which are held in Tokyo, have already banned foreign travellers from attending due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokyo is also currently battling with a surge in cases and is in a state of emergency until June 20th. There has also been a surge in public opinion calling for the Games to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

“I’m planning to play in the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there’s going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only,” Djokovic commented.
“f they change something, if there’s not going to be any crowd, then I’ll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go, and I’m very excited about that.”

Djokovic will start his French Open campaign on Tuesday against Tennys Sandgren.

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