Novak Djokovic is about to kick off his campaign in Monte Carlo, where he is seeded number one and widely considered the top favorite to win the title. Rafael Nadal will not be able to compete because he has been struggling with a hip injury. Nadal won the tournament 11 times, and his absence is a loss for the tournament but an opportunity for the rest of the players.
This is what he said, Djokovic:
“Of course, in one way it’s a loss for the tournament and for tennis in general, because he’s by far the most successful clay court tennis player of all time.
We know how many times he has won Monaco and all the other events we played. But on the other hand, it’s an opportunity, I think, for all of us others, when he’s not there to try to go far and grab a title.”
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWLWWWLWLW Currently the world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 3rd of March when he surrendered to world no.5 Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-4 in the semifinal in Dubai (draw).
Until now, during this year Novak owns a compiled 15-1 record. Novak conquered 2 titles in 2023 in Adelaide and Australian Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) on the 26th of April and Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) on the 10th of May.
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Currently the world no.15, Nadal played his last match on the 18th of January when he lost to world no.52 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
This season Nadal has achieved an overall 1-3 win-loss record.
He is also scheduled to play in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) on the 26th of April and Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) on the 10th of May.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal fought against each other 59 times. Their current record is 30-29 for Djokovic. 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.
Here are the highlights.
