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Diamars 31 mei 2022

Analysis: Might Djokovic vs. Nadal, Part 59, be their last?

First of all, Nadal turns 36 on Friday; Djokovic Whether statistics, aesthetics or any other measures
turned 35 on May 22, the first day of the French is applied, both are among the greatest there's ever
Open. been. About that there can be no debate.
"I don't know what can happen in the near future Nadal owns a men's-record 21 Grand Slam titles,
with my career," Nadal said. a number he reached with a tiebreaking triumph
His body has been a big issue over the past 12 at the Australian Open in January. Djokovic, like
months. He missed the last half of last season, in- Roger Federer, is one behind. Djokovic has all sorts
cluding Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, because of other bona fides, including more weeks spent at
of chronic pain in his left foot that flared up again No. 1 in the ATP rankings than anyone else, the
in recent weeks. After his 20-0 start to 2022, he only man with at least two trophies from every ma-
missed three tournaments because of a rib injury. jor tournament and the only one with at least two
"I can't complain much," Nadal said, noting that 2 trophies from every Masters event. He also leads
By HOWARD FENDRICH 1/2 weeks ago he had no idea whether he'd make it both Federer and Nadal head-to-head.
AP Tennis Writer this far. Djokovic and Nadal have played each other more
PARIS (AP) — This French Open is the first "Being honest, every match that I play here, I don't frequently than any other pair of men in the half-
Grand Slam tournament in a year with both Novak know if it's going to be my last match here in Ro- century-plus of professional tennis. Djokovic leads
Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the field. And any- land Garros. ... That's my situation now," he said 30-28 overall; Nadal leads 19-8 on clay, including
one who enjoys men's tennis — or, indeed, sports after edging 21-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime in 7-2 at Roland Garros. Nadal is 109-3 at the French
— should be thrilled that those two titans of the five sets Sunday night. "That's why I am just trying Open, with a record 13 championships, and two of
game will face each other for a record 59th time. to enjoy as much as possible." those three losses came against Djokovic, including
Is it a shame Tuesday night's match is "only" a quar- Auger-Aliassime said Nadal did not appear to be in the semifinals a year ago en route to the title.
terfinal, instead of something with more at stake? hampered or slowed at all during their fourth- "Playing him in Roland Garros is always a physical
Perhaps. Will that dissuade anyone from watching round thriller, which lasted nearly 4 1/2 hours, al- battle," Djokovic said, "along with everything else."
from afar or dull the atmosphere that'll envelop most twice as long as Djokovic's straight-set win This one is such a big deal that it was scheduled
Court Philippe Chatrier? Doubtful. Sunday over 15th-seeded Diego Schwartzman. for the night session, even though Nadal made it
Could it decrease the intensity of each player's per- Djokovic hasn't dropped a set through four match- clear he prefers playing daytime matches on clay,
formance? Not a chance. es. and it's been made available for free to everyone
"I'm ready for it," Djokovic said. "He's Novak," Schwartzman said, "and if you are in France via a streaming service under a special
"I hope to be able to give myself a chance to play not 100% ... obviously, the result is like this." arrangement.
at the highest level possible," Nadal said, "and then As for Djokovic, his decision to not get vaccinated Whoever wins will take on third-seeded Alexander
let's see." against COVID-19 prevented him from participat- Zverev or sixth-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-
So then the question that Nadal will have on his ing at the Australian Open and, while he's been as- finals.
mind — and we know so because he said so — and sured that won't be a problem at Wimbledon when Alcaraz, the 19-year-old Spaniard considered the
Djokovic might, too, is: How many more of these it starts June 27, his status for the U.S. Open is Next Big Thing in men's tennis, knows a signifi-
showdowns are there going to be? uncertain at the moment. cant match when he sees one coming.