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FILE – Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain poses with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning the final of the ATP Masters tournament at the Foro Italico in Rome on May 19, 2019 (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)
Rafael Nadal remains the “number one favorite” for Roland Garros, rival Novak Djokovic said on Monday, despite saying that the Spaniard’s exit to the quarter-finals at the Italian Open proved he can be beaten on clay.
Nadal, a 12-time Roland Garros winner, lost in the Italian Open quarterfinals to world number 15 Diego Schwartzman.
“Even though he lost this week, I still think a lot of people will agree, he’s the number one favorite and, the record he has there, the history of his results, you just can’t put anyone in front of him. ”Djokovic said.
World number one Djokovic beat Argentine Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 in Monday’s final to win a fifth Rome title and a record 36th Masters crown to move one better than Nadal.
“But, you know, Diego definitely showed that Nadal is beatable on clay,” added the Serbian.
Conditions at Roland Garros could also have an impact, as the tournament was delayed until fall due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nadal “prefers high rebounds, hot weather, ball going fast,” said Djokovic, the 2016 French Open champion.
So let’s see. It will be interesting. I think that although he is the number one favorite, I think there are players who can beat him there.
Schwartzman agreed that Nadal was the favorite.
“Rafa is the king. It is your home. He went to Roland Garros for many years playing well, sometimes without playing his best and he won.
“I think Rafa is always there, the guy who is going to win.”
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