‘I’m watching Rafael Nadal’s matches at the French Open,’ admits Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has admitted he is keeping a close eye on Rafael Nadal’s form ahead of a potential meeting with the Spaniard in the final of the French Open.
Nadal is the overwhelming favourite to claim what would be a 12th Roland Garros crown this year, with many believing world number one Djokovic is the only man capable of stopping him.
And, in an interview with Eurosport pundit Boris Becker, Djokovic admits he is watching the matches of all the top players, not just Nadal.
“I am watching him, especially when you play your matches on different days,” Djokovic said
“TVs are everywhere in your home, facilities, gym, locker rooms. When the main guys are playing, everyone is watching in the locker room.
“I watched him, Roger [Federer], Dominic [Thiem], [Alexander] Zverev, [Juan Martin] del Potro.
“I followed closely but the main focus is on my game because I know I have had success against those guys on different surfaces and I know what it takes to go far in this tournament.
Djokovic also touched upon how he turned his game around following his elbow injury last year.
The Serbian started the year poorly, but has since won three Grand slam titles – and he says that refocusing his attention to the biggest tournaments was crucial in changing his fortunes.
“Grand Slams are the biggest goals of the year, are the ones that count the most to you.
“I have to adjust everything. My family life, everything around, peaking at those big events.
“It has worked in the past and especially in the last 12 months.
“Winning Wimbledon last year was a huge confidence boost and springboard for what was coming up after.
“I was number 20 [in the world], I lost here [at Roland Garros] in the quarters, a tough match against Marco Cecchinato last year, then I got into the grass season, played the final at Queen’s.
“Winning a Slam, especially Wimbledon, that is the cathedral of tennis and I always aimed to win that tournament.
“And winning it after everything I have been through in the surgery and coming back and finding myself on the court and off the court, that was crucial.
“After that, I just started to bring together again.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Comment: Why the French Open is the best Grand Slam spectacle Tennis has to offer
-
French Open 2019: Tennis365 writers cast their predictions for Roland Garros
-
Five Roland Garros contenders: Rafael Nadal still very much the boss at French Open
-
Five Roland Garros contenders: Kiki Bertens primed to make her breakthrough
-
FEATURE: We look at what makes Rafael Nadal so formidable on clay
-
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter salutes British team spirit after stunning Wimbledon success
Leicester’s Katie Boulter helped British players to…
-
Wimbledon
What next for Serena Williams as she loses in the first round of Wimbledon?
Williams is facing fresh questions over her future in tennis after her much-hyped comeback ended with a first round defeat at Wimbledon
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu hopes to make quick work of opponents in bid for home slam glory
The US Open champion takes on Caroline Garcia in round two on Wednesday.
-
Wimbledon
Alastair Gray thrills home crowd with remarkable grand slam debut victory
The world number 288 saw off the 2018 Wimbledon boys’ singles champion Tseng Chun-hsin.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day two: A timeline of British triumphs
Eleven British players were in singles action, with six reaching the second round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal gets a thorough workout in Wimbledon win
The Spaniard, 36, underwent radio-wave therapy on the nerve in his left foot earlier this month.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek: ‘I don’t consider myself a legend’
Swiatek surpassed Venus Williams’ record for most successive wins this century.
-
News
Jack Draper blows past Zizou Bergs for first Grand Slam win
The 20-year-old defeated Belgian Zizou Bergs in straight sets to set up a clash with Alex De Minaur.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios unapologetic after nasty spat with spectator
The world number 40 hit out at the behaviour of some spectators during the Court Three match.
-
News
Ryan Peniston keeps expecting to wake up from Wimbledon dream
The 26-year-old wild card sailed through to the second round.