Djokovic, a six-time major winner thanks to four Australian Open triumphs and
one apiece at the US Open and Wimbledon, was beaten in the final at Roland Garros by Nadal in 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS
ROME:
Novak Djokovic believes his Rome Masters triumph over Rafael Nadal is the perfect tonic ahead of his latest bid to win the French Open and complete a career Grand Slam.
The world number two came from a set down to depose seven-time Rome champion Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and capture his third title in the Italian capital.
It was his fourth successive victory over the world number one and came just a week before the start of the French Open, the only major the Serb has yet to win.
“Winning a final of a great tournament with Nadal on clay is definitely a confidence booster and the ultimate challenge,” said Djokovic.“I am very happy with my game and I hope I can carry it to Roland Garros.”
Sunday’s win was Djokovic’s 19th career Masters title and his 19th win against Nadal in 41 meetings.
It also allowed the 26-year-old to convince himself that the right wrist injury which torpedoed his Monte Carlo Masters title defence and then ruled him out of the Madrid Masters is a thing of the past.
“It’s been a great week, considering how I was few weeks ago with the injury and I didn’t know how the wrist was going to react this week,” he said.“Luckily for me I played with no pain, increasing the level of my tennis as the week went on.”
Meanwhile, Nadal put on a brave face after his defeat which followed a tough three-set win over Andy Murray in the quarter-finals.
“I was able to compete good with one of the best players of the moment,” said Nadal.
“My chances to play well at Roland Garros two weeks ago weren’t very high, now I arrive at Roland Garros with more encouragement.”
Djokovic closed within 650 points of Nadal in the latest ATP rankings after defeating the Spaniard in Rome.
Canada’s Milos Raonic is the only mover amongst the top ten as he replaces Kei Nishikori at number nine with the Japanese slipping to tenth.
Injured Azarenka out of French Open
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka pulled out of the French Open on Monday as she struggles to recover from a foot injury.
“Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in Roland Garros this year,” the two-time Australian Open champion, 24, wrote on her Twitter page.
“Working hard on my recovery and getting back on court.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2014.
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