How the Rafael Nadal Vs Novak Djokovic encounter in the 2015 French Open may impact the tennis world
The match to watch out for
The French Open has seen few upsets in the men’s section so far, with most top seeds making it through to the second week. Both Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic are yet to lose a set and look good to meet in the quarterfinals. That match will be the biggest tennis match so far of 2015, and may well hugely impact men’s tennis in the coming months.
Djokovic and Nadal could not have had more contrasting fortunes since the French Open 2014 finals, where Nadal beat Djokovic to win his ninth French Open title.
Since that, Djokovic has won two more Grand Slam titles, around half a dozen Masters 1000 titles and has dominated men’s tennis. No other player has been able to consistently challenge Djokovic or even push him to his limits. He has won all the big titles in tennis since the US Open 2014 last year. Nadal on the other hand has had arguably the worst 11 months of his tennis life. He has had to recuperate from serious wrist and back injuries and has looked woefully out of touch. For the first time in more than a decade, Nadal has failed to win even a single clay court tournament in Europe. Many tennis pundits have even predicted his demise.
Now, coming to this tournament, the match between Nadal and Djokovic in the quarterfinals may have great ramifications. Whoever wins will have a great surge of confidence and belief, which will likely carry him to the 2015 title.
If Djokovic wins, a big big load will be off his shoulders and he can play with relief, knowing no one will ever ask him about winning the French Open title again. It may make him even more relaxed and confident, and help in continuing his domination of the tennis world. It will be very hard for anyone to stop him for the rest of this season.
A 10th title will be a major fillip to Nadal
On the other hand, if Nadal wins, it will be the biggest boost to his confidence and self belief. Nadal has struggled with these two over the first half of this year, and a win over his nemesis may kick his year back into action. If he is able to summon his best on clay and beat Djokovic, then he will most likely win the title and carry over that confidence onto the hard court swing.
Also winning his 15th Grand Slam title will make him only two shy of Roger’s record of 17. It may motivate Nadal to try harder and push ahead in this battle to become the most successful Grand Slam champion in tennis history.
Whatever happens, it will be a big match, whose outcome will affect the entire men’s tour. In tennis there is a phrase: “Winner takes it all”. The winner of this match may indeed take it all. So fasten your seat belts and get ready for the biggest tennis battle of 2015. It will have reverberations throughout the rest of this season.