"Rafael Nadal is the greatest" - Novak Djokovic credits Spaniard as the reason behind only 3 French Open titles in his Grand Slam tally
Novak Djokovic has claimed Rafael Nadal was the sole reason behind the scarcity of Roland Garros titles in his resume. The Serb has only three French Open titles, whereas Nadal stands with a record 14, which earned him the title, 'King of Clay'.
Djokovic and Nadal's rivalry was considered one of the greatest in tennis history. Except for 2023, the pair faced each other in at least one professional match a year from 2006 to 2024. Having played each other 60 times, Djokovic and the Spaniard have established their prowess on the hardcourt (leading 20-7) and claycourt (leading 20-9), respectively.
Although the 24 Major singles titles holder leads 15-13 in finals of all levels, he always faced a heavy defeat from his strongest rival at the Roland Garros. In a recent interview with RTS Sport, Djokovic insisted Nadal's supremacy on the claycourt was the reason he only won three French Open titles.
"Every time you step on that court with him, he is the favourite. Even at the Olympics, he had injury problems, I was in better shape, but still, you know it is the highest mountain to climb. He is the greatest, maybe the only reason why I don’t have more Roland Garros titles. Every win against him there is worth twice as much," confessed the Serb. (as reported by Punto de Break)
Between Djokovic and Nadal, the former leads 2–0 at the Australian Open and 2–1 at Wimbledon, while the Spaniard leads 2-1 at the US Open and 8-2 at the French Open.
The duo first locked horns at the 2006 French Open in the quarterfinals, where the Serb made a third-set exit and Nadal advanced to the following round. Their first finals contention was at the 2007 Indian Wells Masters.
Nadal claimed Djokovic would have been frustrated had he not earned record singles titles
Nadal held the World No.1 rank for 209 weeks whereas Djokovic occupied the top spot for 428 weeks, a record. The Serbian is the only tennis player with wins in all four Majors across three different surfaces. Statistically, Nadal has fewer titles than him but the Spaniard seemed to be at peace with it.
"I'm not frustrated for a simple reason. I believe that, within my means, I have done everything possible to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible for me," he said (via Forbes).
"Novak could be frustrated because he lives everything more intensely and that's why he's the best,” Nadal added.
Fresh off his Olympic victory, Djokovic was in the US Open run to take his 25th Grand Slam win. On the other hand, the 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal withdrew his participation for not being 'hundred percent'.