The previous time these two exceptional athletes competed together was in January at the Australian Open.
After more than 300 days away from the game, Rafael Nadal is making a comeback, and Novak Djokovic has to be concerned. The atmosphere around these two champion players in the tennis world might very well mirror that of the boxing world in the coming months if Rafael Nadal can avoid further injuries, especially ones that could endanger his career.
The previous time these two exceptional athletes competed together was in January at the Australian Open. Djokovic was one grand slam away from Nadal’s 22 victories. Nadal sustained a hip injury in his second-round encounter and was forced to retire from the competition following Mackenzie McDonald’s straight-set victory. Conversely, Djokovic enjoyed an incredible run, matching Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam victories, and going on to win the first one of the year.
In June, Nadal was then required to have hip surgery. He was absent from a number of competitions, including the French Open, which he won an unprecedented 14 times. A situation in which he seems to have the upper hand! In the meantime, Djokovic continued to grow, winning both the US Open and the Roland Garros tournament.
It is well known that the two athletes have very different perspectives on taking home awards and setting records. Nadal doesn’t seem to place much value on a large trophy case, even if he has won a lot of them over the course of a long career.
He has acknowledged this himself. Djokovic, on the other hand, swears by breaking records and collecting trophies. A few weeks ago, after winning the Paris Masters for a record-tying seventh time, he seemed to be making fun of the Spaniard.
“I want to set and break every record that exists.” I’ve never had any trouble saying it, which is why I’m disliked by others. I didn’t act differently after declaring that it wasn’t my objective, like some individuals have done. I’ve always made an effort to follow my convictions,” the Serb stated, giving no room for speculation.
Djoser might not be entirely off base in this instance. Everyone is playing for the win. How can an athlete continue to compete year after year if they don’t have the drive to win and break records? It’s almost inconceivable!
Although the two sportsmen have previously engaged in heated arguments, Nadal is known for being an intense competitor, so it is safe to assume that this time he will be fuming and driven to retake his position as the world’s top player and the recipient of the most grand slam titles in men’s tennis.
Those who have followed Nadal’s career over the years are aware that he typically does an excellent job of keeping his emotions under wraps and that he believes his game speaks for itself. Perhaps that will alter in the end. He would want to exact revenge on Djokovic, who thrills and wins both on and off the court with his game and cutting remarks, despite the appearance of civility and self-denial.
