Rafael Nadal: Pundits explain exactly why Nadal would beat Novak Djokovic at French Open
RAFAEL NADAL would beat Novak Djokovic if the pair were to face off at the French Open.
That’s according to tennis pundits Matt Roberts and Catherine Whitaker.
Nadal’s French Open record speaks for itself.
He has won an all-time record of eleven titles at Roland-Garros.
That includes an open record of five consecutive titles from 2010 to 2014.
After last month’s straight sets defeat in the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic, Nadal will be keen for a chance of revenge.
Matt Roberts believes that despite the recent result in Melbourne, Nadal would get the better of the World No 1 on clay.
“He’s a different player on clay, he’s had one injury on clay which was the year Djokovic won Roland-Garros [2016],” he told the Tennis Podcast.
“Nadal’s performance in the last two years at Roland-Garros and the way he’s playing generally make me think he’s going to be in tip-top condition, I think he wins there even against Djokovic.”
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Catherine Whitaker was confused by the 32-year-old’s performance in the final defeat against Djokovic and think that’s it would also be a different story in France.
“There were shots that would probably would have been winner either way because they were brilliant from Djokovic,” she said.
“But he wasn’t even trying to run for them.
“I couldn’t see any evidence of any specific injury, I can’t believe there wasn’t something.
“His head was scrambled and he shot selection was bad. There were also occasions at the net.
“Lets assume, like I do that there’s nothing wrong physically with Nadal, there is no way that what was plaguing him mentally, would plague him on clay.”
David Law is desperate to see the clash in Paris.
“I cannot wait to see Novak Djokovic against Rafael Nadal on clay,” he said.