"He is not the same Rafa we are facing": Novak Djokovic intrigued by Zverev-Nadal 'spectacle' at Roland Garros
ATPFriday, 24 May 2024 at 07:10
Alexander Zverev facing Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros received audible gasps from certain sections of the room during the draw ceremony. Novak Djokovic was quizzed about the clash after winning in Geneva and admitted he is intrigued to see how a Nadal that isn't the same in his favourite tournament gets on.
It is two years on from Zverev's infamous clash with Nadal in the same tournament. Infamous as Zverev was leading and then got struck down with a horrific ankle injury. One that he has only just recovered from fully in terms of his form and one that put him on the shelf for a long time.
He has just won Rome so is a different complexion to Nadal who has been stop start since his return producing some epic displays and then ones that have left him crestfallen and Djokovic lauded the 'spectacle'.
"Yes, I've seen it. Total spectacle. I'm excited to see that match, it will be a very interesting match. Zverev is in great shape, having won in Rome. On the court at Roland Garros, he is not the same Rafa we are facing. It's Roland Garros, so we'll see what happens." (via Puntodebreak)
Now for Djokovic, it is Tomas Machac in Geneva and could yet be Casper Ruud again in the final. He said that adaptation was key during that clash as he gains more matches and pivotally more wins,
"I played very well today in the second set. The conditions today are a little different and affect the trajectory of the ball, the speed of the point, so it forces you to change tactically. Adaptation is very important."
"It was important to stay There in the first set, he played very aggressively and it was very difficult to respond to his serve. Then, at 4-5 0-40, the match was decided. The performance in the second set was better on my part."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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