By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday November 16, 2023
With information of Rafael Nadal’s comeback breaking yesterday, Novak Djokovic has supplied his ideas on the upcoming return of the 22-time main champion, who simply so occurs to be his best rival.
Talking in Turin, after defeating Hubert Hurkacz in spherical robin play, the World No.1 says he welcomes a sixtieth episode of the epic rivalry that originally commenced greater than 17 years in the past, at Roland-Garros in Paris.
“I believe it might be good for the game to have at the least yet another match between Nadal and me,” he mentioned. “That is the most important rivalry when it comes to the quantity of matches performed that this sport ever had. Hopefully that may occur.”
“Little doubt it is superb information that he shall be again” @djokernole joyful to listen to of @RafaelNadal‘s return! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/co8Tf8HbkP
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 16, 2023
Nadal was quoted as saying he will certainly play in 2024 by the ATP this week. The Spaniard says he’ll make an announcement within the coming week with extra particular plans. 37-year-old Nadal has been out for the reason that 2023 Australian Open, and underwent a surgical procedure to his hip flexor tendon.
Djokovic holds the 30-29 lifetime edge over the Spaniard. The pair final met within the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros with the Spaniard edging Djokovic in 4 units.
The 2 legends have met 18 instances on the majors (Nadal leads 11-7), and 9 instances in main finals (Nadal leads 5-4). “He is an enormous warrior,” Djokovic mentioned. “He is anyone that actually by no means provides up. With all of the accidents that he had, retains going. That is undoubtedly one thing that it’s a must to respect and admire about him and his spirit.
“For the world of tennis, little question that it is superb information that he’ll be again.”