"Rafael Nadal surprisingly continues talking about Novak Djokovic, who takes the high ground" - Paul McNamee on Spaniard's controversial remarks
Paul McNamee has shared his thoughts on Rafael Nadal's recent comments regarding Novak Djokovic, which sparked heated reactions from the tennis community.
Nadal recently courted controversy with his comments regarding his arch-rivals, Roger Federer and Djokovic. In an interview with Spanish publication El Pais, the Spaniard claimed that whereas he and Federer had to constantly reinvent themselves, the Serb didn't need to evolve as much as he didn't face similar injury issues in his career.
"We have all been reinventing ourselves. That is why there has been this intense rivalry: we always surprised each other. Djovokic too, but he with a difference compared to the two of us (and he has a brutal merit of his own)," Nadal said.
"He has evolved his game - all champions do - but he has not had the need to evolve it as much as we have. He hasn't suffered that many injuries. The only thing that has required him to improve his game has been his rivals, not his physical problems. It's a difference," he added.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion also disclosed his preference for watching the Swiss legend compete as opposed to Djokovic, expressing greater excitement for the former's matches.
"Since I can remember, he is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has excited me the most. I have been more excited to see Federer play than Djokovic, and in the end tennis is emotion, emotion is what draws you to it," he said.
Nadal's perspective on the allure of his rivalry with Federer and why it garnered more interest than either of their rivalries with the Serb also stirred discontent among fans.
Paul McNamee recently said that while the media and Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's fans were bearing the brunt of the controversy, it was unexpected to see Nadal keep discussing the World No. 1, who consistently took the high road instead of replying.
McNamee also highlighted the 'desperate' desire among the duo's fans for another match between them, predicting that this highly anticipated clash would likely take place at the 2024 French Open.
"Of course the media and the fans of Rafa & Novak are the target of the controversy around Rafa who, surprisingly in my opinion, continues talking about Novak, who continues to take the high ground. They’re desperately hoping they face off again, with French Open the most likely," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have met 10 times at the French Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have locked horns in 59 tour-level encounters, with Serb holding a narrow 30-29 lead in their head-to-head record. However, it is the Spaniard who enjoys an 11-7 winning record in their meetings at Grand Slam tournaments.
Nadal also holds an 8-2 record in encounters at the French Open. The 22-time Grand Slam champion triumphed in all six of their initial matches at the claycourt Major from 2006-2014.
Djokovic then defeated the former World No. 1 in straight sets in the semifinals of the 2015 French Open before falling short against Stan Wawrinka in the title match.
Subsequently, Nadal triumphed over the Serb in the 2020 final, winning 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion avenged his loss the following year, defeating the Spaniard in the semifinals in four sets.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal won in their most recent encounter, emerging victorious against Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open to clinch his 14th title at the claycourt Major.