Home » Novak Djokovic: I’m continue competing because Rafael Nadal is my “greatest rival.”

Rafael Nadal is always the overwhelming favorite to win championships during the clay season, and Novak Djokovic acknowledges that the Spaniard’s presence motivates him to continue. The 35-year-old Djokovic and the 36-year-old Nadal have faced off 59 times.

The Serbian recognized that Nadal is his greatest competitor and that he now holds a 30-29 head-to-head advantage against the Spaniard. “Wow, that’s the biggest and finest rival I’ve ever had. We faced off against each other the most times of any two players in the game’s history—I think it was 59 times.

We still maintain our momentum. I’m glad that both of us are competing for the top titles against the newest players. And I believe that the fact that I continue to fight at a high level because he does, or vice versa, is likely another important factor.

I think this rivalry is fantastic in that regard. And I have the impression that many tennis and sports fans throughout the world still want us to play until we are unable to do so. According to Sportskeeda, Djokovic spoke to Tennis TV.

Nadal‘s odds on the clay courts, according to Djokovic, are always favorable.

He is always, without a doubt, the favorite at every clay court competition, notably in Paris. Let’s see, there is no question that we both want to peak there.

Now let’s wait and see,” said Djokovic. Djokovic won the Australian Open in January, tying Nadal for the most Grand Slam victories in history with 22. Djokovic will attempt to capture his third French Open championship and pass Nadal on the list of all-time Grand Slam winners in late May and early June.

But, Nadal will also be focused on capturing a record 15th French Open crown and surpassing Djokovic once more in the race for the Grand Slam. The French Open is where Nadal has had the most success, but Djokovic has had a strong start to 2023 and the Serb will undoubtedly feel confident about his chances there.