Nadal Thrives On Rivalry With Djokovic

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 12th November 2013

Nadal Thrives On Rivalry With Djokovic

epa03945971 Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates winning a point against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the final of the men's singles of the Barclays ATP World Tour at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, 11 November 2013. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA |

Rafael Nadal expects nothing but more tough battles after playing Novak Djokovic for the 39th time and coming up short in straight sets at the World Tour Finals.

Memories of titanic clashes with Roger Federer over past seasons when the Swiss dominated are starting to fade as the top-ranked Spaniard and his No. 2 Serb challenger take over the ATP spotlight at the top of the sport. The Djokovic London finals win was his 17th in the series, with Nadal winning 22.

The programs promise to only get more exciting with the 2014 season kicks off within weeks, in late December. “Rivalry? Yes, I think is amazing playing 39 times,” said 13-time grand slam winner Nadal. “What’s happening the last five, six years, four years, is just amazing that the same players have been competing for every tournament, every single important tournament of the year.

“So that’s something that didn’t happen very often in the history of our sport. We are in a special moment of the history of tennis. I don’t say that’s a better moment than another, but is special for this fact.

“I don’t know for how many years we will have the chance to repeat that situation. Only thing I am sure, I gonna try to keep working hard and hopefully I will be healthy to keep competing the way that I am doing.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis News, World Tour Finals