Nadal vs Djokovic billed as ‘most important match in tennis history’ by Roland Garros legend Mats Wilander
Seven-time Slam champion Mats Wilander believes that the upcoming quarter-final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could be the most significant match tennis has ever seen.
The match everyone was waiting for at Roland Garros 2022 is finally set as Djokovic downed Diego Schwartzman before Nadal defied Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Eurosport tennis expert and three-time Roland Garros champion Wilander is one person who is licking his lips ahead of the continuation of the Nadal-Djokovic mega-rivalry.
He said: “I’m unbelievably excited for this match.
“I remember last year when they played in the semis.
“I called it maybe the most important match in the history of tennis.
“Because the winner of that was most probably going to win the Slam.
“I’m saying it again.”
Nadal would have had the chance to win his 21st Slam had he defeated Djokovic in that semi-final.
Instead, Djokovic won and clinched his 19th Major crown in the final before adding a 20th at Wimbledon soon after.
Of course, Nadal did then reach 21 by winning the 2022 Australian Open in Djokovic’s absence.
The pair’s match on Tuesday will be an incredible 59th meeting between the duo, their 18th at a Major and 10th at the Paris Slam.
That makes Roland Garros their most frequent arena of battle, now one ahead of the Rome Masters where they have faced off on nine occasions.
Despite their huge list of encounters, Wilander warned such showdowns could be few and far between from now on.
He continued: “We have to really cherish this moment.
“Because I don’t know how many more times these guys could play here at Roland Garros or at the US Open.
“We’re asking a lot of these guys.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity to cherish these great players.
“I hope I can get a seat!”
? Free >> Join our legendary newsletter
? Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB
? Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
? Read >> World’s best tennis magazine
? Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV
? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner