It’s quite common to say that one of the biggest challenges in tennis and probably in all sports is to fight against Rafael Nadal at the French Open. The King of Clay has conquered the French major 13 times and he is almost unbeatable on Center Court.
Nevertheless, Jannik Sinner managed to bother the Spanish sensation for 2 sets when they played each other last year in the quarters in Paris. Eventually, it was Rafa to win in straight sets (7-64 6-4 6-1), but the young Italian was leading in the first and the second set by one break.
During a recent interview, Roger Federer’s coach Ivan Ljubicic maintained that challenging Rafael Nadal at the Roland Garros for two sets was probably the biggest accomplishment of Jannik Sinner, at least until then.
“Jannik Sinner is pure talent, in the technical, mental, and physical terms. These three things together are useful if you want to be Alberto Tomba in tennis.
In my opinion, he is taking step by step, winning one small title in Sofia so far and knowing how hard he has to work to reach the top. For me, his best result came at Roland Garros, when he challenged Rafael Nadal for two sets.”
Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner are currently training to get ready for the ATP 1000 in Monte Carlo. Rafa won the title in the Principality 11 times, while this will be the first time that Sinner will participate in this competition.
Rafael Nadal in 2021
At the moment ranked no.
3, Nadal played his last match on the 17th of February when he lost to world no.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5 in the quarter of the Australian Open (draw).Currently, during this year the Spaniard owns an overall 4-1 record.
Jannik Sinner in 2021
Ranked world no.23 (career-high), Jannik played his last match on the 4th of April when he capitulated to world no.16 Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(4) 6-4 in the final in Miami (draw).
Presently, during this year Sinner achieved a composed 14-5 win-loss record. This year, Jannik conquered 1 title in Melbourne. The Italian got to the final in Miami.
Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner played each other only on 1 occasion. Their head to head is 1-0 for Nadal. When they played, Rafael Nadal won 7-6(4) 6-4 6-1 in the quarter in Paris (French Open) in October 2020.
Here the video highlights.
Roger Federer in 2021
At the moment ranked no.7, Federer played his last match on the 11th of March when he lost to world no.37 Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6 6-1 7-5 in the quarter in Doha (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Swiss has a 1-1 record.
Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner |
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