Novak Djokovic is down 8-2 against Rafael Nadal at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic acknowledged the immense challenge of facing Rafael Nadal at the French Open. Spanish pro-Nadal is known as the ‘King of Clay’ for his dominance in most of the clay court tournaments, especially the French Open.

He spoke about the “impenetrable” Spaniard, comparing him to a wall and how it was next to impossible to beat him there. Overall, the Spaniard led the head-to-head against Djokovic in this tournament by 8-2.

It’s impenetrable, you know. He’s like a wall, you know. It’s a paramount challenge, you know, to play him in Roland Garros. He’s an incredible athlete. The tenacity and the intensity he brings on the court, particularly there is, is something that, is very, was very rarely seen, I think in the history of the sport.

Said Novak Djokovic via Rome Press

Nadal will now be eying a 15th French Open title this year. Having previously said that he will retire after this year, this may be the last time that the Spaniard heads onto the courts of Roland Garros. Currently, the Spaniard hopes to improve his form for the other tournaments that are set to come.

Earlier in the year, Djokovic was asked about the French Open, and the Serb seemed a bit concerned now that the King of Clay will be there. He claimed that as long as Rafael Nadal is still in the mix, he is the main threat.

After coming back from all the injuries, Nadal is now mostly available for the French Open. Once again, Djokovic had to answer a similar question about what it’s like to face Nadal at the French Open.
Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)
The Frenchman played some great tennis in the previous rounds to find himself against World No. 1. He is rather excited to face the Serbian and is confident of beating him and causing a major upset in the tournament.

I’m super excited. It’s a big match that I’m going to approach very seriously. This will be one of the biggest matches I will play in my career. I’m going to try to play my game, hurt him with my forehand. There is often a solution in matches to win them.

Said Corentin Moutet via Rome Open Press

Djokovic himself would hope to get off to a flying start. He has had a disappointing 2024 so far and would hope to change it in Italy. Furthermore, the Serbian also revealed that he is well prepared for the upcoming French Open and hopes to peak there.