‘I’ve experienced his evolution’ – Novak Djokovic on his rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are two of the best players to have graced the game. The duo have shared an epic rivalry on the court, which has helped both of them to lift their game. The two veterans have played 59 matches against each other, with Djokovic winning 30 whereas Nadal has come victorious on 29 occasions.

Meanwhile, Nadal, who has won Roland Garros 14 times, has an 8-2 record against Novak Djokovic at the French Open. The Serbian is through to the third round at Roland Garros whereas Nadal was knocked out by Alexander Zverev in the opening round.

Nadal has an impeccable record of 112-4 while playing at Roland Garros and has been almost unbeatable at the event.

“He has been the greatest rival that I ever had. Matches against him on clay have frustrated me so much in my career,” Djokovic said with a smile in Thursday’s post-match press conference. “But they also made me a better player, made me understand what it takes to try to surpass him, try to win at least once or twice at Roland Garros.

“It’s the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros, particularly because of Nadal, because I always have to win against him in order to get to the title.”

The World No.1 admitted he has experienced Nadal’s evolution as the Spaniard has had his wood on him, especially while playing on clay.

“I think he peaked more than a few times against me, in Roland Garros particularly,” Djokovic said. “I played him here for the first time back in 2006 and then the last time we played was in 2022.

“I have experienced first-hand his evolution as a player. I actually think that he improved his backhand as he was getting older. He was probably conscious of physical struggles that he had and he had to be more aggressive on the court.

“He was still topspinning the forehand better than anybody has ever done it and he still kept that incredible defence and offence on the forehand. But I think with the backhand, he was just able to handle the high balls better than he was maybe at the beginning of our encounters.”

Djokovic will face Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of Roland Garros on Saturday.