Rafael Nadal’s recent injury woes will not prevent him from being a formidable force at next year’s French Open, according to the coach of Novak Djokovic.
Goran Ivanisevic has said in a recent interview that he remains wary of the threat posed by the former world No.1 to others on the Tour. Nadal hasn’t played a competitive match since his second round defeat at the Australian Open in January due to a hip injury. During his hiatus, he underwent surgery in June on his left hip to help address the issue. However, he recently told reporters at a press event in Madrid that he still has a degree of discomfort in the area during practice sessions.
It is still not confirmed when Nadal will begin his comeback after he recently dismissed a claim by Australian Open director Craig Tiley who said he has committed to playing in the 2024 tournament. He is currently training at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
“I agree, it’s the best news for world tennis right now if he comes back,” Ivanisevic said of the 22-time Grand Slam winner. “That’s all well and good, but we still have to wait for Nadal to say it. Only then can we be sure of a return and, at least for another year, the continuation of the great rivalry with Novak.”
Whenever the Spaniard does return to action, Ivanisevic says he is ‘convinced’ that Nadal will be a dangerous opponent at Roland Garros where he has won a record 14 French Open titles. The venue will also host the Olympic tennis event next year.
“I’m convinced Nadal will be fine, he wouldn’t come back if he didn’t feel ready, and I’m convinced he’ll be dangerous at Roland-Garros,” he stated.
“In fact, he’ll be the most dangerous because nobody has been as dominant as him at Roland-Garros, and it’s possible that in the year of the Olympics, he’ll be aiming for the double crown in Paris.”
Djokovic and Nadal have clashed on the Tour 59 times with the Serbian narrowly leading their head-to-head 30-29. Although Nadal won their most recent meeting at the 2022 French Open.
Ivanisevic is unlikely to be with Djokovic at the Paris Masters after undergoing knee surgery in his native Croatia but he is hoping to be able to travel to the ATP Finals in Turin.
