Nadal’s history clashes with Djokovic’s form

Serb looking to dethrone Spaniard in Roland Garros


Afp May 22, 2014
AIMING HIGH: Spaniard Rafael Nadal hopes to keep his grip with a ninth title in the French Open as Serbian Novak Djokovic plans to dethrone the claycourt king. PHOTO: AFP

PARIS: Rafael Nadal targets a ninth French Open title with his lethal claycourt game and enduring confidence. The Spaniard boasts a formidable record of eight titles, 59 wins and just one defeat in Roland Garros.

His defeat to world number two Novak Djokovic — the man many expect to dethrone him as king of Paris on June 8 — in Sunday's Rome Masters final marked the first time since 2004 that he had lost three claycourt matches in the same year.

But Nadal is not reaching for the panic button just yet as he still boasts a 13-4 claycourt record over Djokovic.

"Two weeks ago, my chances to play well in Roland Garros were not very high,” said Nadal. “But I will arrive now more encouraged.”

Nadal, a seven-time Rome champion, was taken to three sets in four of his five matches in the Italian capital.

‘Winning against Rafa is a confidence booster’

The right wrist injury which forced Novak Djokovic to miss Madrid was forgotten in his fightback from a set down to beat Nadal in Rome.

"I played with no pain and increased the level of tennis as the week in Rome went on," said Djokovic, who turned 27 today.

"Winning against Rafa is a confidence booster, especially if it’s on clay, his preferred surface. Experience helped me stay calm and play the right shots at the right time."

The Serb fired an incredible 46 winners to the Spaniard's 15 – an almost unheard of brutality on a slow claycourt with Djokovic keeping Nadal on the backfoot with his willingness to come to the net.

Djokovic, who still needs a French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, has now beaten Nadal in their last four meetings.

Serena still ‘not 100% fit’

Defending champion and top seed Serena Williams goes into the French Open having blasted her way to the Italian title last week, confounding those who said that at 32 she was beginning to show distinct signs of wear and tear.

"I feel better but I am not 100% fit,” said Serena. “I am going on adrenaline at the moment, so I'll take a couple of days off.

"I hope to win one more Grand Slam before I retire, but I don't want to look too far ahead. There are hundreds of players who want to do the same."

The American lost just the one set in Rome and her 6-3, 6-0 demolition of former French Open finalist Sara Errani in the final served notice that she is back to her steamroller best.

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