In a candid revelation, Novak Djokovic reminisced about facing Rafael Nadal at Stade Roland Garros, shedding light on the Spaniard’s pre-match routine that once left him unsettled. Reflecting on their storied rivalry spanning 17 years, Djokovic vividly described moments in the locker room before a French Open clash, acknowledging how Nadal’s energetic warm-up routines and music had initially unnerved him.
“I was getting intimidated by that,” Djokovic confessed in a conversation with Jon Wertheim on 60 Minutes. “But it’s also motivating me to show that I’m ready for a battle, for a war.”
The duo’s clash history sees Djokovic narrowly leading 30-29 overall, holding dominance in ATP finals. However, Nadal has a stronghold in Grand Slam encounters and notably commands an 8-2 lead in French Open meetings. The ongoing narrative of their intense rivalry continues to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
