"Is it enough to win against Novak Djokovic? I don't read a crystal ball" - When Rafael Nadal spoke on his chances against Serb in French Open QF
Rafael Nadal spoke about his chances against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2015.
Nadal was a five-time defending champion and reached the quarterfinals after defeating the likes of Quentin Halys (WC), Nicolas Almagro, Andrey Kuznetsov and American Jack Sock. Meanwhile, Djokovic's journey to the last eight featured wins over Jarkko Nieminen, Gilles Muller, Thanasi Kokkinakis (WC), and Richard Gasquet.
Before facing his arch-rival, Nadal spoke to the media and described the match as perhaps the "toughest" quarterfinal in his career at Roland Garros.
"[It] is probably the toughest quarterfinal in my career here in Roland Garros, without a doubt. But is not the final, you know. It's a quarterfinals," the Spaniard said.
"The winner of that match will not be the Roland Garros champion. Will be semifinalist of Roland Garros. That's makes a big difference. Even if it's a special match, you know, is a quarterfinal match. It will not be a final like other years," he added.
In 2015, Nadal dropped out of the ATP Top 5 upon his return from several injuries, which included back trouble, a wrist issue, and appendicitis. Hence, he was seeded No. 6 at the Paris Major, his lowest seeding ever at the tournament.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion expressed his happiness at returning to the tour and climbing up the ranking ladder:
"I hope that Novak won't like playing me in a quarterfinal. But I was out of the tour for six months, and when I came back I was consistent and I managed to get back into the rankings. I climbed the rankings by four spots, so I'm very happy."
When asked if his fourth-round 6-3, 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 win against Jack Sock would improve his chances against Djokovic, Nadal replied in the negative, stating that he couldn't predict the outcome since he doesn't have a "crystal ball."
However, the Mallorcan emphasized that if he lost, he would accept the situation and move on.
"I don't know if it will be enough," Nadal said. "The first two sets were great for me. I played well. The level was good. Is it enough to win against Djokovic? I don't know. I don't read a crystal ball."
"So if I play well and if my opponent plays better than me, I will shake hands and congratulate and then I will move on. I will continue to work," he added.
Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in French Open 2015 QF
Novak Djokovic defeated then-nine-time tournament champion Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal of the 2015 French Open. The match was largely one-sided, with the final scoreline reading 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.
Following that, Djokovic defeated Andy Murray 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 6-1 in the semifinals, who had previously defeated David Ferrer in four sets, setting up a clash in the final against Stan Wawrinka.
However, things didn't go well for the Serb in the championship match as he fell 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 4-6 to Wawrinka, who secured his second Major, having previously won the Australian Open a year ago.