Novak Djokovic will face Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, 16 years after their first encounter. It was already in Paris’ quarter-finals of clay: Nadal had taken advantage at 2 sets 0 of the Serb’s abandonment in 2006 at Porte d’Auteuil.
There was no fight or night session for the title of “GOAT” (The Greatest Of All Time). Only one Spaniard was already in alien mode against the Djokovic machine, which is still being constructed.
The Serb has not been able to defeat Nadal in his garden. He did so in 2015’s quarterfinals and last year in the half finals. The current world number one was not able to enter the Philippe Chatrier court with the benefit of predictions.
“Djoko” will be playing until Tuesday night, when he hopes to use his extraordinary form and the night conditions to temporarily eliminate his closest rival, the 22nd Grand Slam, and 14th Mousquetaires Cup.
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To counter the power Felix Auger-Aliassime’s in the round 16, Nadal took his own life to honor this 59th meeting at world tennis’ top (advantage Djokovic 30–28, advantage Nadal 10-7 Grand Slam).
The Australian Open winner will need to address his physical condition and his left foot injury. At a press conference, the Taurus of Manacor, who is celebrating his 36th birthday, reiterated his preference for daytime matches. However, organizers disagreed.
He faces a huge challenge, possibly the greatest in his long-term love affair with Parisian tournament.
