Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal could face each other in any of the draws they both enter this year, and the Serbian would want that duel.
The two players have created one of the most memorable rivalries in the history of tennis, and while one of them will likely retire at the end of the 2024 season, there is still place to add at least one more page to their joint book.
Djokovic would like to do it because, as he pointed out in an interview at the 2024 Italian Open, it's been a while since they've been part of the same draw and faced each other on the court. In fact, the next time they do will be the 60th time they play against each other.
"I saw we are on opposite sides of the draw, so if we do get to meet here, it would be finals, which would be spectacular for both of us and the tournament, but it's still a very long way. We haven't been part of the same draw for quite a while I think."
In recent months, Djokovic and Nadal have not been used to not seeing each other in the draw. Nadal missed a lot of time in recent years with injuries. The Serbian was more fortunate was able to play, but he does hope to have one more match with Nadal before the Spaniard likely retires.
They faced each other 59 times on the ATP Tour, but still, their last meeting happened in 2022, which is two years ago.
"It's not something we're used to because for so many years we've been main rivals, and you know always pushing each other to the limit and playing so many matches and so many different surfaces so yeah let's see if we get a chance to have the one last dance anywhere. It would be nice."
One more match between them would be great for the fans, for the sport, and for everybody involved. However, there aren't many more places left where it could happen.
0 Comments