Rafael Nadal has acknowledged that there are many things he would change about his life and career while describing things Novak Djokovic has done better than him.
The Spaniard admitted that he had made wrong decisions in terms of maintaining his physical fitness and believed that Djokovic’s playing style had given him the upper hand in this area.
In contrast to Nadal, who has missed four and a half years of Grand Slams because of injuries throughout his career, Djokovic has mainly avoided severe injury concerns.
The 36-year-old Serbian established a new record by winning his fourth US Open title earlier this month, earning a total of 24 men’s Grand Slam victories. Nadal openly admitted in an interview, that he regrets how he has taken care of his body and that this may have led to some of his physical issues.
Nadal expressed his thoughts and said: “I missed four and a half years of Grand Slams due to injury, this is the reality. But that’s also a sport. That’s not why I’m better than Djokovic, because I played less.”
He further stated remarks about Djokovic and his fitness and said: “He had a physique and a way of playing that allowed him to compete more than me. I had no choice but to recognize this, I did what I could. Sometimes I come back and win three Grand Slams, but it’s unlikely.”
Nadal further added: “I would change many things in my life and my career. I have made wrong decisions when it comes to protecting my physique. Djokovic has done better because his way of playing has allowed him to play more than me. But I was wrong for thinking that my decisions were good.”
Rafa Nadal says Novak Djokovic’s achievements do not frustrate him:
“As always, everyone can combine the story as they wish, saying that I have suffered many injuries. Bad luck for me or bad luck that I had my body this way. He has had another one and in some ways that is also… pic.twitter.com/F5w476pepN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 20, 2023
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Currently the world no.237, Nadal played his last match on the 18th of January when he was overcome by world no.39 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this year Rafael has managed to achieve a composed 1-3 win-loss record.
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWWWLWLWWW Ranked world no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 15th of September when he overcame world no.25 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Currently, during this season Djokovic owns a composed 46-5 record. The Serbian clinched 5 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. Djokovic got to the final in Wimbledon.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic fought against each other 59 times. Their current head to head is 30-29 for Djokovic. Before, the last time they fought against each other, Rafael Nadal won 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) in the quarter in Paris (French Open) in May 2022.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
