Rafael Nadal has tremendous respect for Novak Djokovic, but he was not impressed by his behavior during the Olympic Games.
Novak Djokovic was playing for the bronze medal against Pablo Carreno-Busta and things were not going in his way. Novak lost his cool a couple of times. First, he threw his racket in the stands; second, he smashed and destroyed another racket when things looked desperate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T9MyPhAVSU
Nadal’s reaction
During a recent press conference that Rafael Nadal had in Washington, the Spanish champion admitted that he was not very impressed by Novak Djokovic’s behavior. He believes that big Champions need to set an example for the new generations.
Nadal commented:
“Luckily there were no people in the stands, and nothing else happened, but hey, they are things that happen from time to time. You have to try to avoid them. The image is not the best.
It is important to avoid this, especially as a role model for many children; he is no.l in the world and one of the best in history.
It’s strange that someone so successful reacts this way from time to time, but in the end, he’s very competitive and reacts like that.”
Rafael Nadal in 2021
Now the world no.3, Nadal played his last match on the 11th of June when he lost to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal in French Open (draw).
At the moment, during this season Nadal owns a compiled 23-4 match record. Nadal has won 2 titles in 2021 in Barcelona and in Rome.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
At the moment ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 31st of July when he surrendered to world no.11 Pablo Carreno-Busta 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 in the Bro. in Tokyo (draw).
This season Novak has managed to achieve a composed 38-5 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 4 titles in 2021 at the Australian Open, in Belgrade, at the French Open and in Wimbledon. The Serbian got to the final in Rome.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic fought against each other 58 times. Their actual head to head record is 30-28 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they played, Novak Djokovic won 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal in Paris (French Open) on the 11th of June 2021.
Here the highlights.
