Novak Djokovic makes candid admission about Rafael Nadal’s impact on his French Open success
Novak Djokovic has spoken openly about the influence his great rival Rafael Nadal had on his success at the French Open.
The Serbian identified Nadal as the biggest — and perhaps only reason — why he does not have more Roland Garros titles as he declared that the Spaniard was “unbeatable there for a long time.”
The 37-year-old has won three titles at the French Open, while he is also a four-time runner-up at the clay-court major.
Djokovic had won multiple titles at each of the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open before he claimed his maiden French Open title in 2016 to complete the career Grand Slam.
The Serbian has suffered eight defeats to Nadal at Roland Garros: three in finals (2012, 2014, 2020); three in the semi-finals (2007, 2008, 2013); and two in the quarter-finals (2006, 2022).
Djokovic has also dealt Nadal two of his four defeats at the Paris Grand Slam: in the quarter-finals in 2015 and the semi-finals in 2021.
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Nadal has claimed an astonishing 14 Roland Garros crowns, an all-time record for titles at a single major tournament, and he holds a staggering 112-4 record at the event.
In an interview with Serbian broadcaster RTS, Djokovic was asked if there was any reason besides Nadal’s dominance that he was not able to win the French Open earlier.
“Probably not, to be completely honest,” Djokovic replied.
“For me, but for Federer as well. Nadal was unbeatable there for a long time — he lost only a few times at Phillipe-Chatrier stadium. Every time you walk on that court there with him, he is the favourite.
“Even at the Olympics, he had injury trouble, I was in better form, but still, you know it’s the highest mountain to climb.
“He is the biggest, perhaps the only reason why I don’t have more Roland Garros titles, but I say – every win against him there is worth double.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also reflected on some of his most special triumphs at Wimbledon and the US Open.
“In 2011, I won my first titles at Wimbledon and US Open. First title is always extra special, I’ve beaten my greatest rival Nadal in the final,” Djokovic added.
“In New York, I would single out the win in 2015 over Federer in the final. He perhaps played as great as he ever played on hard courts, he was very aggressive and focused, the crowd was totally on his side.
“I managed to stay calm and focused and win somehow. That’s probably my most significant trophy in New York, along with the first one.”
