"I don't like the night sessions" - Rafael Nadal on Roland Garros scheduling
ATP
Rafael Nadal admitted that he is not a fan of the night sessions at Roland Garros as the conditions change too much for his liking.
Nadal has not been a fan of the night sessions at Roland Garros ever since they were introduced, and he has been quite explicit about his opinion, and shared it again after his most recent win at the 2022 French Open.
After his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, the Spanish player once again talked about the night sessions, clearly stating that it's not the part of the day when he likes to play tennis.
"I don't like night sessions on clay. I am very clear about that. I don't like to play on clay during the night because the humidity is higher, the ball is slower, and there can be very heavy conditions, especially when it's cold. I think that makes a big difference on the way you play tennis on clay during the night and during the day."
Nadal has had trouble in the night sessions before. Last year, his matches at night were much closer than those played during the day when the ball flies faster, and his forehand is way more dangerous.
Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, enjoys playing at night because it allows him to wear down his opponents as he likes to do. The duo played last year, and when the sun was out, Nadal was cruising against Djokovic, but the moment the sun disappeared, the Serbian was able to wrestle control of the match.
Djokovic himself was asked about when he would like to play Nadal if they end up playing each other, and he said with a smile that they would likely request different times from the tournament organizers.
"All I will say is Rafa and I would make different requests."
