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In head-to-head, Djokovic is just ahead with 29 wins so far. Of course, the Serbian’s record against the Spanish looks different in the arena. Nadal has won 17 of 24 matches on his favorite surface. In Paris, Djokovic was able to defeat the twelve-time French Open winner just once. In 2015, Djokovic had the advantage over Nadal in the quarterfinals. “I will look back on this match and try to remember the positives and find good tactics against him,” Djokovic said.
The Serbian does not feel physically exhausted after winning the five-set game against Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, but of course he knows what task he faces, after all, Nadal has won twelve of the twelve finals in Paris so far, most recently twice against Dominic Thiem. “Of course the conditions are different than usual when we play in May or June. But despite everything, it’s Rafa, it’s a final, it’s on clay, ”said Djokovic.
First duel on June 8, 2006
14 years ago, more precisely on June 8, 2006, Djokovic and Nadal met as professionals for the first time. Coincidentally also at the French Open. Nadal led 2-0 in sets before the 19-year-old Djokovic, who was ranked 69th in the world, had to give up. “He is the best on this surface, but he is not invincible. That’s for sure, ”said the Serbian after the quarter-finals.
Beating Nadal in Paris remains the biggest challenge on the tennis circuit. The Spaniard won the title on his debut in 2005. Only two defeats followed in the next 15 years. In 2009 Nadal lost to Swede Robin Söderling in the round of 16 and in 2015 Djokovic. In 2016, the clay king had to surrender to compatriot Marcel Granollers in the third round due to a wrist injury.
For the title you need “the best tennis”
At the Grand Slam level, Djokovic and Nadal will meet for the fifteenth time. The 34-year-old Spaniard has the best record with nine wins. After eight matches in a grand finale so far, it’s 4: 4 wins. “I know I have to play my best tennis against Novak. If I don’t succeed, it will be very difficult. But of course I also know that we are playing on a field where I have been very successful for many years. That helps me, of course, ”Nadal said.
However, the Spaniard faces a Djokovic, who remains undefeated on the field this year and has 37 wins. His only loss that year resulted from disqualification at the US Open. “If I want to have a title shot, I also have to play my best tennis. This is what it will mean. But I’ve done it before. I know what it takes and how to prepare. I’m looking forward to it, ”said Djokovic, who is contesting his fifth final in Paris and has won his only French Open title so far in 2016.
Nadal chases Federer’s record
But the final also has an impact on another statistic that many fans, but also players, always keep an eye on: the majority of victories in a Grand Slam tournament. If Nadal prevails in the final, it would be his 20th trimph in the major. He would be at the level of the Swiss Roger Federer, who has already finished his season after two knee operations.
Should Djokovic win, it would be his 18th Grand Slam victory, bringing the big three together again. Nadal himself didn’t want to worry too much about it. “It’s good for tennis when others talk about it,” said the Spaniard succinctly, who reached the final without losing a single set.
French Open in Paris
Single men
