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Novak Djokovic French Open 2021
Alexander Zverev, ATP Tennis Players, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roland Garros, Second Service, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tennis News

French Open Second Service: Djokovic belief; Nadal praises the Serbian


In Second Service today, we look at why Djokovic is confident ahead of his semi-final and some high praise from Nadal, who describes the Serbian as one of the greatest. 

Firstly, Novak Djokovic admitted the quality of his tennis over the last few weeks has given him ‘good sensations’ ahead of his French Open clash with Rafael Nadal.

“Last year he dominated the final against me. Obviously different conditions are going to be played on Friday than it was the case in finals of last year,” said the World No 1.

“I’m confident, I believe I can win – otherwise I wouldn’t be here. And let’s have a great battle.”

DJOKOVIC ROLAND GARROS 2021 volley

Take a look at Djokovic’s full quotes here

Ahead of the semi-final, 13-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal praised Djokovic as ‘one of the best players in history’.

“It’s always a big challenge. [The] best thing is you know that you need to play your best tennis,” said the Spaniard.

“The negative thing [is that] it’s difficult because you play against one of the best players in the [sport’s] history.”

Novak Djokovic forehand French Open

See more of what Nadal had to say here

On the topic of the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal ‘cannot rule forever’ in Paris according to Boris Becker.

The German said that semi-finalists Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are ‘almost on par’ with the Nadal and Djokovic.

“Nadal can’t rule Paris forever. I also see that Djokovic can win such a tournament, but Tsitsipas and Zverev are also almost on a par. For me, it’s just a question of time.”

NADAL ROLAND GARROS 2021

Take a look at Becker’s full quotes here

Greek star Tsitsipas has reached the French Open semi-final for a second successive year and looks better than ever on the clay.

Becker believes there are ‘no weaknesses’ in the 22-year-olds game on the red dirt.

“I can’t find any weaknesses, especially on clay – whether it’s his serve, groundstrokes or fitness. And he feels comfortable on the big stage,” said the German.

“I see the two of them (Tsitsipas and Zverev) fighting for the crown together with Medvedev over the next few years.”

Tsitsipas Roland Garros 2021

See more of what Becker had to say here

Quarter-finalist Diego Schwartzman, who fell in four sets to Rafael Nadal, admitted he would’ve preferred to play Novak Djokovic.

When the Argentine found out he would face Nadal he stated he would rather not face the Spaniard, but impressed in their encounter nonetheless.

“I think I am a very good player on clay, I did great tournaments here in Paris – but always I [am] losing against Rafa the last few years,” said the Argentine.

“I want to play maybe ‘Nole’ [Novak Djokovic] next time, but not Rafa [laughs].”

Schwartzman Roland Garros 2021

Take a look at Schwartzman’s full quotes here

Lastly, Tennishead looked back at the top five moments from Rafael Nadal at the French Open so far this year.

From defeating NextGen talent Jannik Sinner to dropping his first set against Schwartzman, take a look back at the Spaniard’s journey to the semi-final.

Rafael Nadal French Open 2021

See Nadal’s top five moments here

 


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.